The Demonic Cultivator In Zombie World(160-170) (Patreon)

Chapter 160: When Demon Paths Cross, Betrayal Comes

On Fierce Wind Island, three figures arrived one after the other. Their sects and families had been annihilated, and now they gathered on this island, where the spiritual Qi was sparse, to discuss their dire situation.

The bearded cultivator, Yao Hui, was the first to speak, his voice filled with frustration. "Myriad Islands Lake has reached a precarious point. The Hundred Refinements' demonic cultivators are so aggressively oppressive! Do they intend to dominate the Southern Wilderness entirely?"

The elderly cultivator, named Lu Qingsong, spoke with a heavy tone, "Alas... Myriad Islands Lake only ever had two Nascent Soul ancestors. One has already fallen to that Miao Zizai and the other is still in secluded meditation..."

"With the current state of affairs, my friends, I think we should flee. The world is vast; why hang ourselves in this noose when we can preserve our lives and roam freely?"

Yao Hui frowned, "Flee... I can't bear it. I've left over three hundred years of foundation here; I cannot let go..."

The young cultivator who had remained silent until now suddenly burst out angrily, "I also want to flee, but I can't bear it! That Black Heart Old Devil massacred my family and destroyed my sect! If I don't kill him, I'll never be at peace!"

His name was Ouyang Zheng. At forty-nine, he had condensed his Golden Core, making him one of the outstanding Golden Core cultivators in Myriad Islands Lake.

Recently, his family and the sect he founded, the "Righteous Dao Faction," had been annihilated by the Black Heart Old Devil.

Among the three, Ouyang Zheng had suffered the most. Yao Hui and Lu Qingsong glanced at him and then lowered their heads. They were older and could let go of their vendetta and flee.

But Ouyang Zheng was still strong and likely to advance to the mid or even late Golden Core stage. If he retreated now, he might develop a heart demon that would hinder his cultivation in the future.

Lu Qingsong whispered, "Brother Ouyang, what do you plan to do? Before we leave, we'll help you one last time."

Yao Hui nodded in agreement. The three had a close private relationship. Since Ouyang Zheng was set on revenge, they would help as much as they could.

Ouyang Zheng suddenly looked at them, "A friend passed on a demonic technique to me that can absorb Golden Cores to quickly enhance one's power. If you truly want to help, why not help me thoroughly and give your Golden Cores to me?"

Yao Hui and Lu Qingsong were shaken, instinctively feeling uneasy.

"Ouyang Zheng, have you gone mad?" Lu Qingsong tried to activate his defensive magic treasure subconsciously, only to find his spiritual sense and Qi extremely sluggish, making it impossible to activate his defenses.

Yao Hui immediately thought of escaping but found his legs unbearably heavy, as if they were filled with lead, unable to move.

Yao Hui, in a fit of rage, roared, "We are all cultivators of Myriad Islands Lake, and yet you attack us like this! How are you any different from that Black Heart Old Devil who destroyed your family and sect?"

At this moment, the sorrowful expression on Ouyang Zheng's face vanished, replaced by a sinister sneer. "My family, I killed them. My sect, I destroyed it. Sometimes I am Ouyang Zheng; sometimes, I am the Black Heart Old Devil!"

Yao Hui and Lu Qingsong's eyes widened in horror. They had never imagined that Ouyang Zheng could bring himself to harm his own kin to such an extent. This was ruthlessness beyond measure, actions unthinkable for a righteous cultivator.

"Both of you, I need your help to advance my cultivation!" Ouyang Zheng declared with a cruel laugh as he lunged at Yao Hui and Lu Qingsong.

Screams echoed through the chamber, soon followed by the chilling sound of greedy chewing.

Moments later, Ouyang Zheng emerged from the chamber. Waiting outside was a figure cloaked in a black robe.

Ouyang Zheng tossed two storage bags to the figure. A gnarled, purple-black hand, wrinkled and rough, reached out and swiftly grabbed the bags. Ouyang Zheng dared only to glance briefly, his eyes filled with wariness.

A raspy, aged voice came from beneath the cloak, "Good. According to our agreement, within five days, use the identity of the Black Heart Old Devil to eliminate the Ice Point Sect."

Ouyang Zheng frowned, "I have already alerted He Liang. Acting again so soon might draw him directly to me."

The cloaked figure chuckled eerily, "Are you afraid of him? You have consumed two Golden Cores; your power must have surged tremendously. He Liang is merely a body cultivator, what is there to fear?"

As he spoke, the cloaked figure tossed a vial to Ouyang Zheng, "This poison is particularly effective against the robust vitality within a body cultivator."

Biting his lip, Ouyang Zheng conceded, "Alright, I'll do as you say."

His ability to poison Yao Hui and Lu Qingsong had been thanks to the drugs provided by the cloaked figure. He had immense trust in this person's concoctions.

After Ouyang Zheng departed, the cloaked figure remained in place. Moonlight fell upon his face, revealing a ghastly visage.

"He Liang, heh," the figure mused. "Isn't that the qi-refining disciple from the Infinite Sect? His actions and manner are very much like those of us from the demonic path.

Kills and erases sects, taking all the bodies with him, undoubtedly for crafting corpse puppets... who really is this person masquerading as He Liang?"

...

"Hmm, are there transmission talismans?"

Chu Xuan, having just returned from Blue Star to Mystic Azure Star, discovered two transmission talismans flitting about like headless flies within his formation.

With a casual gesture, one of the talismans landed in his hand. As the Spiritual Qi stirred, a raspy voice emanated from the talisman.

"The Black Heart Old Devil will appear at the Ice Point Sect in five days."

Chu Xuan frowned. This voice was unfamiliar to him. It belonged to neither Yuan Zichu nor Zhu Yuqiao.

Yet, this stranger had divulged such crucial intelligence. It seemed too significant to dismiss.

To go or not to go?

"No."

Chu Xuan scoffed.

Who could say whether this was a trap set by the cultivators of the Thousand Islands Lake?

Even with his physique refined thirty-layer and his Golden Core at the seventh level, robust beyond compare, falling into a pre-set killing formation could still spell his doom. Thus, he would never trust such an unreliable transmission talisman.

Chu Xuan reached out and summoned the other talisman into his hand. After infusing it with Spiritual Qi, the same aged, hoarse voice spoke again.

"You are using the name He Liang of the Infinite Sect— who are you?"

Chu Xuan was taken aback. The name He Liang was almost unknown. Even within the Infinite Sect, perhaps only those disciples who had interacted with He Liang would have some recollection of him. He had casually used this name when accepting an invitation from the Hundred Refined Sect.

To think it would be recognized?

Chu Xuan immediately concluded that the speaker must also be a demonic cultivator, likely one within the Infinite Sect.

"To approach my cave dwelling undetected, fearing not discovery... this person must have spies in the Treasure Ship Market, and his strength is at least at the Golden Core stage."

After much deliberation, Chu Xuan could only guess it to be Wan Wuying. But hadn't that unfortunate master entered the Ghost Palace and never emerged again? Could he have found another way out?

Chu Xuan scratched his head. It seemed he had no choice but to visit the Ice Point Sect. Not to mention, the impostor had dared to tarnish the reputation of the Black Heart Old Devil!

He must be eliminated. As for this old acquaintance from the Infinite Sect...

Chu Xuan smacked his lips, "I must prepare thoroughly. When a demon meets a demon, a stab in the back is all too common."

Chapter 161: Stop hiding. Come out.

Mystic Ice Island, the Ice Point Sect.

Compared to the mighty forces of Myriad Islands Lake, such as the Dragon Fish Sect and the Curio Alliance, which boast three or more Golden Core cultivators, the Ice Point Sect is merely a minor faction harboring a False Core cultivator.

The so-called False Core represents a somewhat awkward realm. Some Foundation Establishment cultivators, recognizing their mediocre aptitude or facing the twilight of their lifespan—or perhaps those grievously injured, their foundations compromised—find themselves unable to form a true Golden Core. In desperation, they either rely on secret techniques or the aid of a Golden Core cultivator to forcibly condense a False Core.

A False Core cultivator surpasses a ninth-level Foundation Builder by a significant margin, yet does not compare to a true Golden Core. Moreover, obtaining a False Core does not extend one's lifespan.

Most crucially, once a False Core is formed, the cultivator can never hope to condense a Golden Core. Due to these limitations, many Golden Core cultivators hold False Core cultivators in disdain.

The Ice Point Sect, led by such False Core cultivators, is one such minor sect. It is said that the Ice Point Sect possesses a secret technique that guarantees the formation of a False Core.

Any member who surpasses the age of one hundred can easily condense a False Core, ensuring that the sect always has more than five such cultivators. It is by this strength that the Ice Point Sect manages to eke out an existence and stubbornly survive in Myriad Islands Lake.

However, now, the Ice Point Sect has been reduced to ruins. All five False Core cultivators were slain by the nefarious Black Heart Old Devil, who harvested and consumed their False Cores. As for the Foundation Establishment cultivators and Qi Refining disciples, they either perished or fled.

"The taste of a False Core really doesn't compare to a Golden Core; it's not pleasant at all," Ouyang Zheng coldly snorted, ready to leave.

Yet, he noticed a figure standing on the lake, a hundred zhang away, observing him with great interest. Ouyang Zheng was startled—his spiritual sense had failed to detect the other's approach!

Who was this person?

With a light step on the lake surface, the figure rapidly approached, soon standing face to face with Ouyang Zheng. Recognizing the man, Ouyang Zheng's heart skipped a beat.

It was indeed He Liang, the Black Heart Old Devil!

It seemed his own actions, taken under the guise of the Black Heart Old Devil, had indeed alerted the genuine article.

However, remembering the vial of poison given to him by the cloaked figure, specifically meant to harm body cultivators, Ouyang Zheng's mind steadied somewhat.

Fully aware of your moves, what do you have to compete with me? Even you, the real Black Heart Old Devil, shall fall today!

"You are who, seeking death as well?" Ouyang Zheng sneered, his voice low and hoarse.

Chu Xuan responded with a light chuckle, "I was merely curious to see who dared misuse my name so recklessly."

'So it was just a minor player from Myriad Islands Lake.'

With his mastery in the art of disguise, he immediately saw through the other's façade.

Beneath the guise of "He Liang" was another face, one Chu Xuan had already seen through the spiritual jade slip provided by Yuan Zichu.

The Hundred Refinements Sect's ability to gather intelligence was unparalleled.

The appearances, backgrounds, and signature techniques of all Golden Core cultivators in Myriad Islands Lake, whether seasoned or newly ascended, had been thoroughly documented by the sect.

Chu Xuan instantly recognized this man as Ouyang Zheng, the leader of the Righteous Dao Sect.

In that moment, he realized:

The Righteous Dao Sect and the Ouyang family had not been destroyed by him, yet the deed had been accredited to him.

It appears that Ouyang Zheng himself had orchestrated the demise of his own kin and disciples, yet laid the blame at Chu Xuan's feet.

Truly detestable!

And to think, he didn't even leave the corpses of the cultivators for him.

"Nonsense, you deserve death!"

Angered, Ouyang Zheng made his move. He charged forward, thrusting his long spear with explosive force.

Chu Xuan, surprised, noted that this man was also a body cultivator. No wonder he could replace him.

"The physique of a body cultivator, plump and juicy, perfect for nourishing corpse puppets."

Chu Xuan smiled and executed the Fierce Evil Escape.

In an instant, he moved from reacting to acting first, appearing right in front of Ouyang Zheng.

The Fierce Evil Escape, a technique learned from the second level of the "Yin Thunder Evil Technique," wasn't particularly cost-effective.

But as a Golden Core period escape technique, it was naturally faster than any Yin Evil escape from the Foundation Establishment stage.

For now, he would make do with this.

Ouyang Zheng caught off guard, roared lowly and swiftly changed his attack, the spear crashing down furiously.

Chu Xuan scoffed coldly.

A true body cultivator needs no weapons. His own body is the mightiest weapon!

With a direct punch, he shattered Ouyang Zheng's long spear. Unabated, his fist continued its trajectory, striking squarely against Ouyang Zheng's chest.

With a crisp crack, Ouyang Zheng's inner armor disintegrated. His defensive magic treasure dimmed instantly, whining as it was flung away.

Ouyang Zheng spurted fresh blood, hurled backward by dozens of feet. Panicked, he immediately attempted to flee.

Chu Xuan pursued relentlessly. In the blink of an eye, he closed the distance to within ten feet.

His fist, charged with boundless power, was poised to strike.

"Dare to pursue me? Die then!" Ouyang Zheng's face twisted from fear to ferocity.

He swung his hand fiercely, releasing a cloud of crimson poison powder that enveloped Chu Xuan under the influence of spiritual qi.

Ouyang Zheng's bizarre laughter echoed; he had tested the potency of this poison powder before.

It didn't need to be inhaled. Merely touching the skin, it would penetrate the pores and impede the circulation of blood within the body.

Since body cultivators utilize blood rather than spiritual energy, once the blood flow ceased, their formidable strength would find no outlet.

Then, they would be at his mercy!

However, a steadfast punch tore through the crimson poison, smashing directly into Ouyang Zheng's ghastly face.

With a squelch, his head burst like a ripe melon.

Before his headless body could fall, Chu Xuan casually tossed it into the Corpse Nurturing Tower. The storage bag was swiftly attached to his waist.

This entire process of killing and looting was all too familiar to Chu Xuan.

"A mere twenty-layer body cultivator dares to impersonate me. To impersonate me is one thing, but to then perform so poorly in battle, failing to kill his opponents and even letting them escape! And this poison, utterly useless."

Chu Xuan shook his head repeatedly. When it comes to poisons, he is the true master!

The moment the crimson poison was dispersed, he had already neutralized it.

Arriving at the Ice Point Sect, he casually gathered all the corpses into the Tower.

Without turning around, he suddenly spoke in a chilling tone, "Stop hiding. Come out."

All was silent around him.

Beneath the surface of the lake, the cloaked figure was shocked. "Did he see me? Or sense my presence? Impossible!"

Chu Xuan remained stationary, hands clasped behind his back, "Won't you come out? Must I make my move?"

The cloaked figure clenched his teeth, "Could I really have been discovered? Impossible, he must be bluffing!"

Chu Xuan smirked coldly, "Unsteady breath, found you!"

He struck ferociously.

Three hundred Yin Thunder Seeds whistled through the air, swiftly engulfing the area where the cloaked figure hid!

Chapter 162: You Treacherous Disciple!

Yin Thunder Seed is imbued with both the essence of Yin Evil and the force of thunder.

Three hundred of these beads whistled through the air simultaneously, sufficient to evaporate an entire body of water into steam!

In an instant, vast clouds of steam rose from the area. A muffled groan was heard.

The figure cloaked in black was forced to reveal himself.

"Damn it! So many Yin Thunder Seeds!"

He was both shocked and enraged, compelled to continuously deploy escape techniques. Weaving through the continuously exploding beads, he dodged the terrifying damage.

Yet even so, the massive net woven by the explosions of the three hundred Yin Thunder Seeds was immensely formidable. He might evade one, but not the next.

The cloaked figure tried desperately to dodge, ultimately forced to activate his defensive magic treasure to block the attacks. Despite his efforts, he still sustained numerous wounds.

However, using the rebounding force of the Yin Thunder Seeds, he successfully increased the distance.

He burst out of the deadly net created by the interweaving Yin Thunder Seeds.

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow.

Impressive.

The simultaneous explosion of three hundred Yin Thunder Seeds could seriously injure even a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. Yet, this person had managed to escape with his life.

Chu Xuan stomped the ground, ready to advance and attack with full force.

However, as he took a step forward, the water beneath him suddenly transformed into formidable frost.

In an instant, his feet were frozen. And the frost didn't stop there; it continued to climb, aiming to encase his entire body in ice!

Chu Xuan's expression shifted slightly. He burst forth the strength from his legs, shattering the frost and hastily retreating.

Yet, the frost pursued like a python, relentlessly coiling around him.

Chu Xuan frowned.

Instantly, a black iron shield and a gold-wood shield flew from his body, attempting to block the assault.

With a crack, both shields were frozen by the frost and shattered into pieces on the spot!

Using the rebounding force of the explosion, Chu Xuan instantly escaped over sixty feet away, well beyond the reach of the frost attack. He was not sentimental about the loss.

The two items were merely high-grade magic tools. Their destruction was inconsequential as long as he remained unharmed.

However, he was surprised that the opponent had pre-arranged a formation, almost causing him to fall into a trap. It seemed he was facing a fellow cultivator.

Chu Xuan and the cloaked figure stared at each other across the distance, each displaying a wariness.

The cloaked figure, eyeing the familiar black iron shield, gave a flicker of recognition. He spoke softly, "Since we're both cultivators of the demonic path, why not reveal your sect?"

Chu Xuan frowned, "Nonsense, how am I a demonic cultivator? You look more like a demonic cultivator! Your entire family are demonic cultivators!"

The cloaked figure was irked. Both being sly as millennia-old foxes, such trivial deceits were pointless. Suppressing his anger, he pointed to the shattered remnants of the black iron shield, "That was the defensive magic tool I used back when I was a Foundation Establishment cultivator. I remember it well!"

Chu Xuan scratched his head, puzzled for a moment before tentatively asking, "Master?"

The cloaked figure sneered, "Master was nearly killed by you, you treacherous disciple!"

Chu Xuan coughed slightly, "My master came to Myriad Islands Lake years ago in search of opportunities and vanished without a trace. I have been searching for him here for a long time, yet you suddenly appears now. How can you prove you are my master, Wan Wuying?"

The cloaked figure responded coldly, "I went to the underground ruins in the Misty Mountains, to the Ghost Palace of the Nether Dao Sect. I was the one who told you about it!"

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow, "But few who went to the Ghost Palace came back alive."

The cloaked figure removed his cloak, revealing a grotesque and unfamiliar face. It looked abnormal as if it were sewn together from two different people.

Chu Xuan felt an eerie chill.

The cloaked figure sighed deeply, "At that time, only three Golden Core cultivators from the Divine Star Sect made it out alive, and I seized the body of one of them."

Chu Xuan raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Quite the revelation!

Wan Wuying continued, "My soul does not match this body well, which is why my face has become like this. Now you should be sure, my good disciple, Chu Xuan!"

Chu Xuan laughed heartily, "Master, if I had recognized you without any hesitation or doubt, that would have truly belied the lessons you taught me, right?"

Wan Wuying snorted, "That's true indeed."

A stranger claiming to be a long-dead master and appearing so suddenly—if he had believed it immediately, that would have been a disservice to his years of training as a demonic cultivator.

"Master, let's find a new place to talk," Chu Xuan whispered.

"Agreed," Wan Wuying nodded.

Moments later, they arrived at Gale Island. This island, poor in Spiritual Qi, rarely attracted cultivators, making it an ideal place for a heartfelt reunion.

"Master, I've missed you terribly!" Chu Xuan exclaimed with great emotion.

Wan Wuying waved his hand dismissively, "Oh, knock it off. If you really missed me, you would have gone to the Ghost Palace to find me. You never went once."

Chu Xuan spread his hands, "If I died, wouldn't the legacy of the Extreme Yin Cave be lost?"

Wan Wuying was silent, observing Chu Xuan closely. He felt a mix of sentimentality, relief, and complexity. "Now that you are also a Golden Core cultivator, you need not call me master anymore. My master is the Nine Profound True Master. Consider me as a stand-in master. From now on, call me 'senior brother.'"

Chu Xuan was surprised. 'True Master'? This term was usually reserved for Deity Transformation cultivators.

Was Wan Wuying's master a formidable Deity Transformation cultivator?

After further conversation, Chu Xuan learned that Wan Wuying and Jiu Xuan were not truly master and disciple. Nine Profound, a roving cultivator, had encountered Wan Wuying, then a ninth level Foundation Establishment cultivator, and casually imparted a few insights that had opened Wan Wuying's mind.

Nine Profound had stated that if Wan Wuying could break through to the Golden Core stage within two years, it would prove his aptitude was sufficient to join the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace in Central Continent.

Unfortunately, Wan Wuying was attacked by enemies during his advancement, leading to years of recovery and missing the opportunity.

If anything, Wan Wuying was more like an honorary disciple of the venerable Nine Profound True Master.

At this moment, Wan Wuying was filled with a mix of emotions. He hadn't expected that his former disciple would now be a cultivator of the same rank. The two continued their conversation, sharing the events of the past years.

Of course, Chu Xuan knew that Wan Wuying must have had his secrets to have survived the Ghost Palace, and Wan Wuying understood that Chu Xuan must have encountered his own unique fortunes to have reached the Golden Core realm. Much was left unsaid, as both understood each other's journeys well enough.

Chu Xuan inquired, "Senior brother, how did you end up at Myriad Islands Lake, and how did you come to collaborate with Ouyang Zheng?"

Wan Wuying sighed deeply, "My lifespan has greatly diminished. Now, the only way to survive is to quickly advance my cultivation and attempt to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

I wanted to obtain the qualifications to enter the extraterritorial battlefield and seek out Nascent Soul spiritual items, which led me to cooperate with Ouyang Zheng. But Ouyang Zheng's strength was insufficient, not making him an ideal partner.

I had earlier noticed that you wield demonic methods and possess formidable strength, making you a suitable partner. That's why I set up today's situation. Who would have thought... heh."

Wan Wuying's cheeks reddened slightly. He had almost been outwitted by his former disciple, nearly suffering significant harm.

Such an embarrassment to admit.

Chapter 163: Reincarnation Divine Church

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. The qualification to enter the extraterritorial battlefield? That sounded intriguing. He expressed his interest, "Senior brother, please elaborate on how to obtain this qualification."

Wan Wuying spoke gravely, "In a year, the extraterritorial battlefield will open. The upper sect will distribute a thousand tokens across various locations on Mystic Azure Star.

The Feather Transformation Heaven Palace, as the overlord of Mystic Azure Star, can select cultivators to enter the battlefield without needing a token.

For us loose cultivators, seizing a token allows entry. Otherwise, one must acquire rare heavenly materials and treasures that catch the upper sect's eye to gain entry."

Chu Xuan, puzzled, asked, "What is this upper sect?"

Wan Wuying's eyes gleamed with aspiration, "Feather Transformation Heaven Palace is a fifth-level cultivation sect controlling Mystic Azure Star.

Above it is the sixth-level Reincarnation Divine Church, which governs over a dozen cultivation stars! A sixth-level cultivation sect is a colossal organization that boasts Astral Projection stage powerhouses!"

Chu Xuan was taken aback. A sixth-level cultivation sect controlling over a dozen stars? Truly formidable!

"Senior brother, do you know what conditions are like on the extraterritorial battlefield?" Chu Xuan inquired further.

Wan Wuying shook his head, "The last time the extraterritorial battlefield was opened was five hundred years ago, during the chaotic collapse of the Nether Dao Sect.

I have never entered, but I know it is a perilous treasure trove. The battlefield features sudden spatial rifts and void winds, ancient beasts that can destroy and devour everything.

There are also corpses of Nascent Soul, Deity Transformation, and even higher realm cultivators, various ancient spiritual items, and ancient legacies!

Us Golden Core cultivators qualify only for the least dangerous parts of the extraterritorial battlefield. Our task is merely to clean up the aftermath."

Wan Wuying sighed deeply, "In summary, it's a place of both risk and opportunity. Many cultivators want to take a chance to venture into the extraterritorial battlefield."

Chu Xuan listened intently. It truly sounded like an appealing place.

As he contemplated advancing from Golden Core to the Nascent Soul stage, it seemed inevitable that he would need to brave the battlefield.

Moreover, his path as a body cultivator had reached its limit. Given that the battlefield held many lost ancient techniques and legacies, he might find one or two suitable body cultivation methods there.

Chu Xuan pondered another aspect, "Mystic Azure Star is vast; with a thousand tokens scattered around, isn't it like finding a needle in a haystack?"

Wan Wuying chuckled mischievously, "Such rules have been passed down for countless millennia, and our predecessors have already summarized methods to obtain these tokens. The simplest method is to buy a token from a disciple of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace!"

Chu Xuan, puzzled, asked, "Buy?"

Wan Wuying nodded, "The upper sect grants a thousand tokens to be distributed randomly by the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

The higher-ups in the palace might act fairly, but the actual distribution is handled by the lower ranks. And are those disciples as fair?

No! They will not act fairly! They need resources for cultivation! Such token distribution is exactly the kind of power they would leverage for personal gain."

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. Indeed, that made sense.

Deity Transformation cultivators and Nascent Soul cultivators would hardly bother with such mundane matters; they would be focused on advancing to higher realms. Such duties would fall to lesser individuals.

Any small figure with a bit of authority would inevitably think of profiting from it.

This hinted at another method of obtaining a token...

Sensing the change in Chu Xuan's expression, Wan Wuying grinned wickedly, "Correct, robbing Feather Transformation Heaven Palace disciples is also a way to get a token! Such an act might have been difficult in the past, but now there is an excellent opportunity!"

Chu Xuan's eyes flashed, "I understand, senior brother wants to take advantage of the chaos in the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace to fish in troubled waters."

Wan Wuying laughed heartily, "Exactly! You must have heard about the situation with Shang Tianjue."

Chu Xuan nodded.

Wan Wuying continued gravely, "I believe Shang Tianjue is also eyeing the extraterritorial battlefield. Once it opens, he will surely act, stirring up the great situation on Mystic Azure Star! We can take advantage of the chaos to snatch what we want."

After speaking, he sighed deeply, "Shang Tianjue caused me to lose my physical body, reducing me to this state. I can't avenge this grudge, alas!"

Chu Xuan sighed softly.

Apart from expressing sympathy, there wasn't much else he could say.

Wan Wuying added, "With some time left before the extraterritorial battlefield opens, I need to find a place to retreat and cultivate to boost my strength. What about you?"

Chu Xuan nodded, "I plan to do the same. However, I need your help with something."

He casually mentioned his plan.

Wan Wuying listened with surprise but nodded, "Alright, I'll help you."

…

A month later, Chu Xuan arrived at the Listening Rain Number, his brow deeply furrowed.

Yuan Zichu followed closely behind, equally indignant, "It's truly detestable! This person has been masquerading as fellow daoist He, committing rampant murders. The worst part is the number of treasures he's stolen. That's utterly reprehensible!"

Chu Xuan nodded solemnly, responding coolly, "Fellow daoist Yuan, you oversee the Treasure Ship Market; all news from Myriad Islands Lake converges here. Please keep an eye out for this impostor for me. Should he surface again, I will personally intervene to erase him."

Yuan Zichu nodded vigorously, "Rest assured, fellow daoist!"

After Chu Xuan departed, Zhu Yuqiao appeared, she spoke with palpable relief, "Fellow daoist He being impersonated seemed extremely angry. It's my first time seeing him like this."

Yuan Zichu shook his head, "He's not angry about the impersonation."

Zhu Yuqiao looked puzzled, "Ah, then what is it?"

Yuan Zichu spoke quietly, "He's angry because the treasures that should have been his were stolen by that counterfeit."

Zhu Yuqiao was taken aback.

Yuan Zichu reached out to hold Zhu Yuqiao's slender fingers, "The impostor is very powerful, stronger than any of us, and he stops at nothing. Only He Liang can deal with him. Yuqiao, don't go out during this time. I'll notify the others to keep an eye out for the impostor."

Zhu Yuqiao blushed slightly, "Thank you, Zichu."

Yuan Zichu smiled, "Shall we delve deeper into the study of arrays? Should we go to your cave or mine?"

Zhu Yuqiao's cheeks flushed deeper, "Let's go to yours. I fear my spouse might find out."

"Alright," Yuan Zichu said, taking Zhu Yuqiao with him.

…

Half a month later.

Yuan Zichu received word that the impostor had appeared again and immediately notified Chu Xuan.

"Everyone stay out of this; I want to capture that impostor alive! Doesn't he know that I always cultivate virtue?! Daring to impersonate me and commit murders, ruining my reputation!"

Chu Xuan roared, mounting the Imperial Sky Mirror and vanishing in the blink of an eye, disappearing from Yuan Zichu and Zhu Yuqiao's sight.

Zhu Yuqiao scoffed slightly, "With his strength, he will surely defeat the impostor decisively. He just doesn't want us to share in the spoils."

Yuan Zichu expressed concern, "That's not necessarily true. The impostor is very powerful; even fellow daoist Zhao Benhe nearly died at his hands. Fellow daoist He… ah…"

Chapter 164: Those Who Cannot Withstand Testing Are Unfit as Partners

Atop the ruins of a sect, Chu Xuan and the impostor met, and a fierce battle ensued immediately upon their encounter. They fought from sunrise to sunset, from the eastern islands to the western ones.

Ultimately, Chu Xuan fell victim to a trap set by the impostor, stepping into a pre-arranged array that dealt him a severe blow. After tumbling into the lake, he completely disappeared.

Yuan Zichu, Zhu Yuqiao, Zhao Benhe, and other cultivators mobilized a large number of Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators to search extensively. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find Chu Xuan's body.

...

In the Treasure Ship Market, a gathering of Golden Core cultivators displayed a range of expressions—some were reflective, others regretful, some smug, and a few disdainful.

Yuan Zichu was among those who felt regret. Even though "He Liang" had used some demonic techniques and had shattered his defensive measures upon their first meeting, Yuan had always felt that he was a person worth befriending. It was unfortunate that he had now likely perished at the hands of an impostor.

Those who were smug or disdainful were the ones who had long envied Chu Xuan. They felt that he had killed too many cultivators from Myriad Islands Lake and stolen treasures that should have belonged to them. They harbored grievances against Chu Xuan and were secretly pleased at the prospect of his probable death.

Yuan Zichu spoke solemnly, "I propose to report the disappearance of fellow daoist He and request that a new Golden Core fellow daoist be sent to Myriad Islands Lake. What are your thoughts?"

"No objections," everyone nodded in agreement.

"Very well, I shall report as such," Yuan Zichu affirmed.

...

In the midst of the Hundred Refinement Sect's Golden Core cultivators discussing important matters, Chu Xuan and Wan Wuying were already toasting under the moonlight.

"Junior brother, that was quite a fierce performance. I almost thought you were serious," Wan Wuying commented while sipping wine and popping pills.

Chu Xuan chuckled, "How else to make them believe?"

The impostor Ouyang Zheng was already dead. The current impostor was naturally Wan Wuying. The daytime battle was not only a show for Yuan Zichu and others to gauge but also for Wan Wuying to see.

Chu Xuan was testing whether Wan Wuying was genuinely cooperating with him. After all, both were cultivators of the demonic path, and a true alliance or cooperation is never truly part of a demonic cultivator's dictionary.

Partners? As long as there was enough benefit, partners could always be betrayed!

Chu Xuan's cooperation with Wan Wuying was based solely on the latter's strength and their years of mentorship. He was not foolish enough to consider Wan Wuying a senior brother to depend on for life and death. Individuals like Liu Zhenxiong were indeed very rare.

"Let's drink this cup and then part ways for now," Wan Wuying smiled, raising his glass and pausing momentarily, "Junior brother, why the poison, though? There really was no need for that between senior and junior brothers."

Chu Xuan also raised his glass and replied with a smile, "Then senior brother also had no need to put a charm in the wine."

"It was merely an exchange of courtesies," he added.

The two looked at each other and burst out laughing. Testing each other was a constant reality. Those who couldn't withstand testing did not deserve to be partners.

...

Taking advantage of the night, Chu Xuan quickly escaped. He removed his disguise, reverting to his original appearance, and soon found a secluded island.

After setting up a cave dwelling and arranging the arrays, he quickly returned to Blue Star.

During Chu Xuan's time in Myriad Islands Lake, the situation on Blue Star had been prospering. His army of undead had swept across the continents. The destruction of the Sunzi Country's government had also spread across all the lands.

Amid the global dominance of Blue Star under Chu Xuan's command, the intricate operations of his zombie and gu forces continued to escalate.

The Parasitic Seeds, controlling giant apes, conquered the Harsha Dynasty, eliminating the royal family and securing the third fragment of the Psionic Cube.

Meanwhile, the Zombie Empress's newly developed assault-type corpse ships penetrated the territories of the Freedom Alliance and the Arctic Army. Within a subterranean base controlled by the Freedom Alliance, they discovered the fourth fragment of the Psionic Cube.

The zombie armies also unearthed that Science City was intricately connected to the Freedom Alliance. Before the Psionic revival, the Freedom Alliance had secretly sent the "City Lord" to the Han country to establish Science City.

As for the Holy Light Theocracy, they didn't wait for the zombie army to reach their doors. Instead, they proactively submitted to Chu Xuan's forces, offering the fifth fragment of the Psionic Cube.

Chu Xuan lounged on a plush velvet recliner, intrigued by the nearly complete Psionic Cube. Even though Blue Star was almost unified, the final piece of the cube was still missing.

Chu Xuan had dispersed his zombie armies globally to watch for any signs of the last fragment. The idle Psionic Cube rapidly facilitated the growth of flesh and blood, although, unfortunately, Chu Xuan no longer had a use for body cultivation techniques.

On the other hand, the Blood Beehives produced vast quantities of blood honey, bulking up the bees to nearly the size of half a fist. Under the massive infusion of blood honey, the queen bee's realm soared, advancing into the rank of a third-stage Gu.

Besides the worker bees, soldier bees, and venom bees, a new type of bee was unlocked—the Fire Bee. Similar to the venom bee, which has a venom sac for storing toxins, the fire bee possesses a unique flame sac that stores fire, which can be expelled when necessary.

For Chu Xuan, the venom bees and fire bees were much more useful than the soldier bees. The former could store various poisons he concocted, and the latter could even hold the Corpse Refining Blood Fire.

In battle, dispersing venom and fire bees could potentially have a surprising effect.

"It's a pity that the Corpse Refining Blood Fire has not yet advanced to spawn the Blood Evil Yin Fire," Chu Xuan mused. "Perhaps it's not burning enough..."

He signaled the Zombie Matriarch and Zombie Empress to ramp up production. The wild zombies outside had grown wiser, and ultrasonic calls no longer lured the higher intelligence zombies.

Fortunately, Chu Xuan still had the Zombie Matriarch and Zombie Empress, who were akin to living zombie production factories. Increasing production merely required more large blood pearls, allowing for a self-sustaining cycle of production and combustion.

…

On the secluded isle of Myriad Islands Lake, a diminutive Nascent Soul cultivator fled in terror.

He cried out, his voice both fierce and desperate, "Shang Tianjue! Dare to slay me, and the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace will soon be upon you! Your end is nigh! If you spare my life, we can both step back and perhaps..."

But Shang Tianjue, relentless in pursuit, paid no heed to his plea. A mass of dark qi transformed into a gargantuan maw that eclipsed the sky, devouring the fleeing Nascent Soul in one fell swoop.

Chewing thoughtfully a few times, Shang Tianjue swallowed contentedly.

"Another Nascent Soul consumed, and now I've reached the mid-Nascent Soul stage. Even the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace, obtuse as they are, must realize by now that the Burning Heaven Sect is no more. They will make their move. The extraterritorial battlefield is about to open. Mystic Azure Star shall soon be thrown into turmoil!"

Shang Tianjue laughed heartily, his gaze alight with relentless determination and madness.

...

In the heart of the Central Continent floated a colossal island.

This island, known as Feather Transformation Island, was the very gate of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace. It was a mighty testament to the Deity Transformation cultivators' power, a whole mountain range uprooted and encircled with formidable arrays.

For every disciple of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace, it was an honor to ascend to Feather Transformation Island, for it was the true center of power within the palace.

At this moment, within the grand council hall of Feather Transformation Island, a voice thundered in anger.

"Three years! A full three years! And only now you learn of Shang Tianjue's emergence in the Southern Wilderness!"

Chapter 165: Feather Transformation Heaven Palace Attack

In the opulent council hall, an elderly man with the bearing of an immortal stood upon the steps. Below him knelt five middle-aged individuals. The scathing rebuke had erupted from the elder.

The four middle-aged men bowed their heads in silence, but one ventured softly, "Ancestor, we have been diligently searching for Shang Xingchen's whereabouts, which led us to overlook Shang Tianjue. As for the Heavenly Patrol Mirror, it is routine to communicate with the other four continents only once every decade..."

The elder snapped coldly, "So you caught the sesame seeds but lost the watermelon? Moreover, you haven't even caught Shang Xingchen, just traces of him!

I truly was mistaken to entrust the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace to you all! All you think about day and night is vying for power and grabbing benefits! Why not consider uniting to produce another Deity Transformation cultivator?

If there is no new Deity Transformation cultivator after I pass, what will become of our Feather Transformation Heaven Palace?!

I have come to realize that the real threat to the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace is not from outside, not from other sects, but right here on Feather Transformation Island, among my own direct disciples!

It has been only a few years since the collapse of the Nether Dao Sect! Have you forgotten? The gaping pit that was once their ancestral ground still stares at you every day!"

The five middle-aged men remained silent once more, neither daring to look at each other nor raise their heads, merely enduring the tirade.

After a long vent, the elder's mood slightly eased. "Act now! Travel to the Southern Wilderness via the ancient teleportation array and capture Shang Tianjue! I will tolerate no mistakes this time! Whoever accomplishes this, I will appoint him as the master of the palace!"

The five middle-aged men's eyes lit up as they rose to their feet, declaring in unison, "Please rest assured, Master, we shall fulfill this mission without dishonor!"

The elder then tossed out a storage bag, "This contains the tokens bestowed by the upper sect. Make arrangements for these tokens as well. We must act fairly; each of the five continents must receive two hundred tokens!"

The five men responded respectfully, "We understand."

After they departed, the elder sighed deeply. "Shang Tianjue has already appeared, but what of Shang Xingchen? Will the prophecy... become reality? Will our Feather Transformation Heaven Palace fall at the hands of them?"

...

In the mystical realm of Southern Wilderness within the Kingdom of Yu, while mortals and low-level cultivators were still lost in slumber, disciples from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace arrived through the ancient teleportation arrays.

Nascent Soul, Golden Core, Foundation Establishment... a myriad of cultivators congregated in the sky, resembling celestial warriors.

A commanding middle-aged man surged with Spiritual Qi, his voice rolling out majestically. "By the elder's decree! The Hundred Refinement Sect, despite knowing the palace's command, still chose to aid Shang Tianjue. All elders and disciples of the Hundred Refinement Sect are to be executed!"

The disciples of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace responded in unison, "Yes!"

Their voices thundered like a clap of sky-shattering thunder, startling demonic beasts in all directions into a frenzied escape.

From Yan Kingdom, Yue Kingdom, to Myriad Islands Lake, figures from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace appeared at various ancient teleportation arrays. Each team was led by a Nascent Soul cultivator.

The Nascent Soul cultivators of other sects were no match for those of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that a single Nascent Soul cultivator from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace could single-handedly take on two average Nascent Soul cultivators.

Wherever these disciples passed, the cultivators of the Hundred Refinement Sect had no power to retaliate and were quickly slain.

The cultivators of the Hundred Refinement Sect, unwilling to accept their fate, were compelled to resist. This sparked a great battle, leaving devastation in its wake, a scene of widespread misery and destruction.

Chu Xuan and Wan Wuying, in perfect accord, did not appear immediately. Instead, they waited for that man. To seize the chestnuts from the fire, one must act at the most crucial moment. To enter too early would be to court disaster.

At Original Dao Peak of the Hundred Refinement Sect, four formidable armies from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace converged from different directions, gathering with potent force.

Meanwhile, the fifth contingent was trapped by a pre-arranged array by Miao Zizai in Yue Country, unable to break through.

Four middle-aged cultivators hovered in the air, each radiating an aura that was earth-shaking, all at the late stage of Nascent Soul. Atop Original Dao Peak stood only one man, Shang Tianjue.

The five exchanged glances across the expanse, with only the grand array of the Hundred Refinements Sect separating them.

The tall middle-aged man spoke calmly, "Shang Tianjue, surrender now. You alone have turned Mystic Azure Star upside down, causing the deaths of countless souls. You must be punished!"

Another added, "All Deity Transformation cultivators of your Nether Dao Sect fell on the battlefield beyond; it should have crumbled long ago. Shang Tianjue, you should not dream of reviving a dead sect."

Shang Tianjue, standing at the summit of Original Dao Peak, burst into laughter, "Five hundred years ago, when I was slaughtering far and wide, you four were but Foundation Establishment juniors. Now you dare to stand before me, issuing orders. How the years embolden the foolish!"

The third middle-aged man scoffed, "Shang Tianjue, you only dare to boast because of the sect's grand formation. Once we break this formation, let's see how arrogant you can remain!"

A sect's grand array is its lifeline. If unattended, a static formation might be broken with brute force.

However, a dynamic formation, continuously altered by a skilled formation master holding the formation plate and flags, is exceedingly difficult to assault.

Provided with enough spirit stones, a formation master could potentially hold off five or six cultivators of the same realm for years.

Shang Tianjue laughed wildly, "Do you think I'd fall for such crude provocation? Within this gate, I have gathered forty-six Golden Core formation masters and one Nascent Soul formation master from three countries!

To break through this Eight Directions Immutable Array, you'll need numerous Array Breaking Talismans! Of course, if you wish to waste a Grand Prohibition Talisman, be my guest, hahaha!"

Talismans for breaking arrays are extremely rare and vary greatly in power. The lowest level is the Array Breaking Talisman, capable of breaking Foundation Establishment stage arrays.

Above that is the Grand Array Breaking Talisman for Golden Core arrays. Next are the Prohibition Talismans for Nascent Soul arrays, and the highest are the Grand Prohibition Talismans for Deity Transformation arrays.

Indeed, within the entire Mystic Azure Star, only the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace possessed Deity Transformation-stage arrays. And none had the courage or the power to challenge the grand arrays of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace with a Grand Prohibition Talisman.

The four cultivators shared a cold laugh as numerous prohibition talismans tore through the sky. The Feather Transformation Heaven Palace lacked for nothing if not for its deep foundations and wealth.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The Prohibition Talismans bombarded the grand formation relentlessly. Pressured by the imminent threat of Shang Tianjue's wrath, the formation masters atop Original Dao Peak had no choice but to serve him. Within moments, four Golden Core formation masters were spitting blood.

The leading Nascent Soul formation master was Miao Zizai. He, too, was sweating profusely, barely holding on.

"I, Shang Tianjue, may not control arrays, but Master Miao does. Anyone daring to betray me will be killed."

Shang Tianjue's gaze swept over one individual; his fist thundered down and smashed a Golden Core formation master who had dared a slight deception into a pulp.

The remaining formation masters trembled, daring not to act out of line.

Shang Tianjue stood with his hands behind his back, floating in the air. His expression remained unchanged.

His eyes, deep and inscrutable, seemed not to focus on the present location but were instead fixed on the distant Central Continent.

Chapter 166: Stall For Time

Outside the grand formation of the Hundred Refinement Sect's mountain gate, four middle-aged men conversed in hushed tones.

Spirit Feather True Master's fourth disciple spoke gravely, "Shang Tianjue seems to be stalling. What is he scheming? Could it be that he's buying time for Shang Xingchen?"

The third disciple shook his head, "Impossible. Have you forgotten the relationship between Shang Tianjue and Shang Xingchen? Half-brothers with the same father, they've always been archrivals within the Nether Dao Sect!"

The second disciple calmly added, "Exactly. Shang Tianjue and Shang Xingchen have been at odds for years. The Golden Core elders of the Nether Dao Sect took sides because of their disputes. On several occasions, Shang Tianjue even grievously wounded Shang Xingchen, nearly killing him."

The eldest disciple then said, "Shang Tianjue is heartless and ruthless, willing to forsake everything for supreme power! He killed his disciple just for speaking respectfully to Shang Xingchen.

He killed his master because the master refused to impart the secret techniques of the Nether. He even killed his father to access the ancestral lands. How could such a tyrannical and merciless man delay time here for a half-brother?"

The other three nodded in agreement, "Eldest senior brother is right. Shang Tianjue is not a benevolent man. If he's stalling, it's not for Shang Xingchen."

The eldest disciple scoffed, "What else could it be but for access to the battlefield beyond realms? He wants to secure a place in the extraterritorial battlefield to escape."

The second disciple suddenly said, "But even if he obtains the token, what then? To reach the extraterritorial battlefield, one must use the ancient teleportation arrays controlled by our Feather Transformation Heaven Palace. And the scattered teleportation arrays outside are almost all destroyed by our Palace. How is he planning to reach the battlefield?"

The rest fell silent.

Indeed. How would he go? Could it be that Shang Tianjue's intentions lie elsewhere? Is his true goal to avenge the Nether Dao Sect and overthrow the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace?

But that doesn't make sense either. With Spirit Feather True Master, a Deity Transformation cultivator, in command, who could possibly destroy the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace?

The four exchanged glances, shaking their heads.

It was incomprehensible. Unpredictable. And they were too weary to speculate further.

Once the Eight Directions Immutable Array was broken, and Shang Tianjue captured alive, the true essence of his schemes would be unveiled by the hands of Spirit Feather True Master himself, through the art of soul searching.

In the blink of an eye, such battles had persisted for half a year.

Each day, four Nascent Soul cultivators from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace would cast numerous array-breaking talismans, assailing the Eight Directions Immutable Array. Once radiant with golden light and a mist of treasures, the array now lay dim and lightless.

The forty-six Golden Core cultivators trapped within were withered in appearance. More than half had depleted their spiritual consciousness and lay on the ground, their fates unknown.

Miao Zizai's frame had noticeably shrunk. Her soul was equally exhausted. Yet, the formation remained unbroken. The four middle-aged men looked at each other in silence.

One of the disciples coughed lightly, "It's been half a year, and we still haven't brought him back. This is getting hard to justify. Ah, if only I had a Grand Prohibition Talisman, I'd use it! What about you three?"

The second disciple nodded, "Indeed, it's hard to explain our failure. Whoever has a Grand Prohibition Talisman should break the array, and we'll all join forces. Third junior brother, I remember you have a Grand Prohibition Talisman. Why not contribute one?"

The third disciple furrowed his brow, "Second senior brother, where did you hear such rumors? Such rare talismans are not something I possess. However, I did hear that our second senior brother spent a great sum to acquire one from the black market..."

The second disciple snapped, "Stop spouting nonsense!"

The eldest disciple sighed deeply, "At such a critical moment, are we still going to bicker over personal gains?"

The trio turned their gaze toward him.

"Eldest senior brother, you are the most senior among us, with profound resources. Surely the use of one Grand Prohibition Talisman wouldn't hurt..."

The eldest disciple stroked his beard, "...Let's wait a bit longer. The formation's breach is imminent; there's no need to waste a powerful talisman."

The eldest, second, and third disciples tacitly remained silent thereafter. The fourth disciple dared to speak out because he truly did not possess such a talisman. And they remained silent because... they indeed had one.

...

Feather Transformation Island.

A handsome young man hurried along the corridors between palaces. He greeted every cultivator he encountered, regardless of their cultivation level, always wearing a warm smile. Two female cultivators blushed as he passed.

Once the handsome young man had departed, they whispered among themselves.

"Is that Chen Xing, the one even the old ancestor has praised endlessly?"

"I never imagined someone so gifted could also be so handsome! I'd love to be his dao partner!"

"Forget it, many fairies have already approached him hoping to become his dao partner, but senior brother Chen has turned them all down."

"Ah… senior brother Chen is truly devoted to the immortal path, forsaking even the seven emotions and six desires. I wonder which woman will eventually benefit from his indifference."

"Ha, certainly not us."

Meanwhile, Chen Xing advanced to Golden Dragon Peak, where since his emergence from seclusion, Spirit Feather True Master, the Deity Transformation Ancestor of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace resided.

"True Master, Chen Xing has distributed the two hundred tokens in Western Land and has now returned to report."

Chen Xing bowed respectfully outside a modest hut.

A gentle voice emerged from within, "Well done. If only my disciples could emulate your detachment and tranquility, the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace wouldn't be mired in such turbidity, alas…"

Chen Xing hurriedly responded, "True Master, you are mistaken. The five uncle masters have poured their hearts into the palace; you only see one side of things…"

Spirit Feather True Master waved it off, "Enough, let's not speak of them. Go now, do not delay your cultivation. I look forward to the day you step onto the Nascent Soul path."

"Thank you for your profound kindness, True Master!" Chen Xing said gravely, then respectfully departed.

Spirit Feather True Master sighed deeply, "This child possesses excellent talents, disposition, and character. Perhaps I should invest more in him…alas, those five might harbor ill will towards this young man."

Just then, the sky split open dramatically.

A formidable, majestic aura descended from the heavens as if it could obliterate all living beings on the planet!

The cultivators on Feather Transformation Island were utterly terrified, and clueless about what was happening. They only sensed the arrival of a terrifyingly powerful being.

Spirit Feather True Master's face paled, and he flew out of his hut, shouting, "Greetings to the envoy from the upper sect!"

A disgruntled voice boomed like thunder, "Yulingzi, what is causing your delay on Mystic Azure Star! The extraterritorial battlefield will close in a month. Send the people through immediately!"

"Yes!" Yulingzi replied, sweating profusely.

The intense presence vanished in the blink of an eye.

Anger surged on Spirit Feather True Master's face.

"These wretched five, they've still not brought the people back after half a year! Must I personally intervene?"

His eyes glinted coldly as he stepped forward, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

Chapter 167: Itching as if Growing a Brain

Elsewhere.

Chen Xing, struck by fear, slowly straightened his body. Leaving Golden Dragon Peak, he headed south.

High above, a pair of eyes watched him. A faint, barely detectable streak of spiritual light shot through the air, ultimately entering Chen Xing's mind.

He sighed softly, "My debts of gratitude are now repaid. Young one, I hope you succeed."

Chen Xing suddenly froze in place for a long time.

"What was I supposed to do?"

"Right, I need to cultivate."

"Wait, am I supposed to cultivate? No, it seems I need to find a blue lotus..."

As Chen Xing walked, he suddenly felt an itch in his head, as if something was about to sprout.

It was incredibly itchy.

It felt as if a brain was about to grow.

Who am I?

My name is Chen Xing.

Is my real name Chen Xing?

No.

My name is Shang Xingchen.

I am the second young master of the Nerther Dao Sect.

I need to find... the Turbid World Blue Lotus.

Chen Xing lifted his head again. A strange light flickered in his eyes. The memories of days past, they all came rushing back!

Shang Tianjue had revived by possessing a body, while his soul was divided and hidden among the descendants of the Chen family, only to be awakened now.

Only this strategy could deceive Spirit Feather True Master and allow him to hide on Feather Transformation Island.

No one would have guessed that Shang Xingchen had long been on Feather Transformation Island, right at the heart of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace!

"Now that Spirit Feather True Master has gone to the Southern Wilderness, it means Shang Tianjue has already bought enough time."

Shang Xingchen mused softly, "Shang Tianjue, brother, doing this... you might die. If you were gone, who would I spar with?"

He wasted no time and immediately headed towards the underground of Feather Transformation Island.

The Turbid World Blue Lotus was a primordial spirit object of a planet, a perfect material for crafting spiritual treasures. It could also help late-stage Astral Projection cultivators break through their limits without hindrance, reaching higher realms.

Nearly all of a planet's primordial spirit objects had been claimed by the Reincarnation Divine Church. Naturally, the Turbid World Blue Lotus of Mystic Azure Star was no exception.

However, the church's cultivators did not realize that the spirit object of Mystic Azure Star was the rare twin Turbid World Blue Lotus!

Spirit Feather True Master had secretly kept it, hoping to use it to break through to the Astral Projection stage. This would elevate Feather Transformation Heaven Palace to a sixth-level cultivation sect.

Not only would this bring a wealth of cultivation resources as rewards, but it would also break the shackles of the Reincarnation Divine Church.

Moreover, according to the rules, when a fifth-level cultivation sect ascends to sixth-level, the original sect leader cannot interfere with it for three thousand years. This span of three thousand years would allow Feather Transformation Heaven Palace to grow securely!

After three thousand years, even if Feather Transformation Heaven Palace could not match the Reincarnation Divine Church, it would be close enough that the church would have to carefully weigh the pros and cons before acting against them.

Underground on Feather Transformation Island.

This place had never been visited by anyone. Spirit Feather True Master had told no one because the Reincarnation Divine Church would never tolerate such a thing.

If exposed, the fate of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace would be grim. The church might not act directly, but as a mighty sixth-level cultivation sect, they had many ways to punish Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

Shang Xingchen knew the hiding place of the Turbid World Blue Lotus because he had accidentally discovered it during a life-and-death struggle with Shang Tianjue years ago. Both had tacitly decided not to report it, keeping it secret in their hearts.

After the fall of the Nether Dao Sect, Spirit Feather True Master discovered the Turbid World Blue Lotus and entertained thoughts of claiming it.

To keep the existence of the Turbid World Blue Lotus secret, Spirit Feather True Master even expended vast resources to trade with the Reincarnation Divine Church for a powerful array that uprooted the mountain range where the blue lotus grew.

This led to the creation of Feather Transformation Island. Before this, the gates of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace were not located on Feather Transformation Island, but in a mountain range in Eastern Border.

"Turbid World Blue Lotus..."

Shang Xingchen arrived at the location. Above a pool, there quietly spun a blue lotus—this was the Turbid World Blue Lotus. Since the birth of the planet, it had existed; most planets typically had only one such primordial spirit object.

However, if one were to truly identify the primordial spirit object, Shang Xingchen believed that the roots that had sprouted the twin lotuses were the actual primordial essence. Without them, how could a second Turbid World Blue Lotus have appeared?

The place seemed tranquil and intact, but in reality, Spirit Feather True Master had laid numerous intricate arrays around it. Should any outsider attempt to seize the Turbid World Blue Lotus, the arrays would activate immediately, alerting Spirit Feather True Master at once.

Shang Xingchen was not foolish enough to directly walk over and pluck the lotus. Instead, he sat down, channeling spiritual qi into his eyes.

Moments later, his eyes, appearing both vacant and profound as if capable of seeing through everything, began to reveal the complex and abstruse patterns of the array on the otherwise empty ground.

Choosing the Chen family under Feather Transformation Heaven Palace to host his soul was no random decision.

The Chen family was renowned for its mastery of arrays, primarily because its members almost invariably possessed a unique spiritual constitution conducive to such magic—Array Spirit Body.

With such a constitution, the Chens' understanding of arrays far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators, essentially making them born formation masters.

Each generation of the Chen family produced at least one Nascent Soul stage formation master. This generation's prodigy was Chen Xing!

His spirit was stronger, the one-in-ten-thousand Heavenly Array Spirit Body! Previously as a Golden Core stage formation master, Chen Xing had already decrypted Nascent Soul stage formations. Across the generations of the Chen family, he stood unparalleled, acclaimed as the foremost master of formations!

Now, if Shang Xingchen was willing to expend his lifespan, with the power of the Heavenly Array Spirit Body, he could forcibly break through a Deity Transformation stage array!

After all, this place was set with a static array, not a dynamic one controlled by a cultivator.

"Spirit Feather True Master, Feather Transformation Heaven Palace..." Shang Xingchen sneered as he began to decrypt the array...

Meanwhile, at the Hundred Refinements Sect, on Original Dao Peak.

Another array-breaking talisman fell. It seemed to be the last straw that broke the camel's back. The already overstressed Eight Directions Immutable Array suddenly burst apart, dissolving into countless specks of light scattered between heaven and earth.

All Golden Core stage formation masters at that moment spewed blood violently, collapsing to the ground, their eyes hollow and vacant, clearly rendered insensate.

Even Miao Zizai, a Nascent Soul stage formation master, coughed up a great mouthful of blood, utterly depleted.

"Elder Miao..." Shang Tianjue rushed to support her.

Miao Zizai managed a weak smile, "Young master, my task is completed... It's all up to you now."

With those words, she breathed her last.

Shang Tianjue gently laid her down on the ground and turned to face the four approaching Nascent Soul cultivators.

"All four of you, come at me together!"

Shang Tianjue rubbed his fists, his gaze cold.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Without further words, the five figures instantly clashed together. The glow of spells and the brilliance of magic treasures intertwined and collided.

Shang Tianjue was at a complete disadvantage, seemingly about to be quickly overpowered by their combined forces.

However, just a few exchanges later, the fourth disciple screamed in horror as he discovered his chest had been penetrated by Shang Tianjue's fist!

"Go to hell."

Shang Tianjue sneered, throwing another punch that directly shattered the skull. A small Nascent Soul figure burst out, darting away over a hundred yards in the blink of an eye.

"Senior brother, save me!"

Chapter 168: The Taste of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace's Nascent Soul is Quite Delightful

The remaining three had not anticipated that their exchanges with Shang Tianjue, which seemed even-handed, were all pretenses on his part.

In the blink of an eye, Shang Tianjue had seized the moment when they were distracted and assassinated the fourth brother!

Though they had their conflicts, they were bound by the brotherhood among senior and junior brothers.

However, even if they had the will to help, it was now too late to turn the tide. Shang Tianjue had intentionally maneuvered and shifted, luring the fourth brother to a position far from the other three.

By the time the fourth brother tried to escape using his Nascent Soul, it was already too late. A ghastly aura transformed into a massive mouth that devoured everything in its path, and with a single gulp, it consumed the fourth brother's Nascent Soul.

Amidst the shocked gazes of the remaining three, Shang Tianjue grinned, "The Nascent Soul of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace is indeed delicious. Now, it's your turn."

Shang Tianjue attacked once more. Spells rained down furiously, and three magical treasures simultaneously targeted the trio, who scrambled in a frantic defense. For a moment, the fight seemed evenly matched, which only intensified their fear.

Shang Tianjue, a man revived from death, was still so formidable. Fighting one against three, he didn't falter at all!

The apparent disadvantage he had shown earlier was all an act—just a ploy to kill one of them instantly!

"Isn't Spirit Feather True Master coming? Do I need to devour another one?"

Shang Tianjue taunted with a bizarre grin, flashing his pearly white teeth. This smile made the trio feel as if they were plunging into an abyss.

Just as the three felt overwhelmed by the pressure, a powerful and irresistible aura descended from the sky. Every cultivator present felt as if a mountain was pressing down on their heads, ready to crush them at any moment.

This aura surpassed all Nascent Souls. It belonged to a Deity Transformation stage cultivator, the sole and most powerful being on Mystic Azure Star!

The disciples of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace breathed a sigh of relief. The old ancestor had arrived. Everything was about to end. The three disciples under Spirit Feather True Master also felt a great sense of relief in their hearts.

"Shang Tianjue, surrender now!"

Spirit Feather True Master's voice echoed from all directions. A gigantic hand, formed from raindrops and stretching fifty zhang long, fiercely lunged at Shang Tianjue!

At this moment, Shang Tianjue felt as if he had plunged into an ice cave. Spirit Feather True Master's spiritual sense enveloped him completely, locking down all his vital energies. There was not an inch of space for escape, as if an invisible giant hand had already grasped him tightly.

A Deity Transformation stage cultivator versus a Nascent Soul stage cultivator showcased such overwhelming power. This wasn't a gap that mere talent could bridge.

Those tales of geniuses defeating enemies across major cultivation realms were just that—tales. No genius had ever truly defeated an enemy across a major realm!

Yet, Shang Tianjue burst into laughter.

"Yulingzi! You can't catch me!"

With those words, he fiercely slapped the Myriad Souls Banner. A massive swarm of vengeful spirits and fierce ghosts surged in all directions. The number was terrifying, nearly blotting out the sky and casting darkness all around.

"Shang Xingchen, I've bought you enough time," he shouted. "If you still can't secure the Turbid World Blue Lotus... well, then I should have killed you back when we fought to the death."

Shang Tianjue scoffed coldly. His gaze then became vacant, his body resembling a walking corpse.

"Hmph, trying to mix fish eyes with pearls," Spirit Feather True Master sneered. He could clearly see that Shang Tianjue planned to hide his Nascent Soul among these vengeful spirits and fierce ghosts, using them as a cover to escape.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Spiritual sense spiked violently, striking through the air. Wherever it passed, the vengeful spirits and fierce ghosts burst apart. The three middle-aged men quickly reacted and joined in the massacre of these ghosts.

However, instead of fleeing immediately, the vengeful spirits and fierce ghosts dove into the bodies of the cultivators on the ground!

Shang Tianjue was notorious for nurturing fierce ghosts, and even the weakest ghost within his Myriad Souls Banner was a ghost general. Above them, there were numerous ghost commanders and ghost kings!

Even Golden Core cultivators, once possessed by a ghost king-level spirit, would become bewildered and disoriented.

Those Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators stood no chance against the numerous ghost generals and quickly turned bloodthirsty, attacking all living beings around them in a frenzy.

Spirit Feather True Master's expression turned grim as he surveyed the chaos. He couldn't determine which body housed Shang Tianjue's Nascent Soul.

With nearly ten thousand cultivators on the ground, and some more audacious spectators in the distance being attacked by these fierce ghosts, searching them one by one would take far too much time.

The three middle-aged men all turned their gaze towards Spirit Feather True Master, the same thought occurring to them, but none dared to voice it. Only Spirit Feather True Master could give such an order.

"Kill them, spare no one," Spirit Feather True Master commanded after taking a deep breath.

After all, killing cultivators did not accumulate karma; what's done is done. As long as word of today's events did not spread, no one would know that Feather Transformation Heaven Palace had once turned its blades against its own disciples.

"Yes," the three disciples nodded and began a massacre, not only targeting the disciples of Hundred Refinements Sect but also those of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace, for many of their own were also possessed by the fierce ghosts.

Spirit Feather True Master floated high above, watching the hellish scene unfold on the ground, his expression as still as an ancient well.

"Master, I have found Shang Tianjue's Nascent Soul!" The eldest disciple, visibly excited, held a transparent Nascent Soul in one hand and approached Spirit Feather True Master.

Spirit Feather True Master glanced at it, and his expression immediately darkened.

"This is only one part of his Nascent Soul!" exclaimed Spirit Feather True Master, astounded by Shang Tianjue's willingness to fragment his own soul. "Clever Shang Tianjue, to actually divide his own Nascent Soul!

Continue searching! We must find all parts of his Nascent Soul! The Nether Dao Sect has many secret techniques. If even a small part of his Nascent Soul escapes, he could recover by devouring other cultivators!"

The others were shaken by these words and hurriedly resumed their search.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Several figures, possessed by fierce ghosts, suddenly flew towards the distance. In the blink of an eye, more possessed cultivators ceased their slaughter and scattered in all directions, totaling over a hundred figures darting off. The scene was staggering.

"Send your most trusted followers to pursue them, not one can be allowed to escape!" Spirit Feather True Master commanded sharply.

"Yes!" The figures of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace disciples swiftly followed, chasing down the fleeing spirits.

In the distance, Chu Xuan and Wan Wuying watched the scene unfold, both somewhat shaken by it.

Truly, Shang Tianjue was worthy of the title of despot—so ruthless! He had divided his Nascent Soul into countless parts, hiding them within the fierce ghosts, and using the bodies of possessed cultivators to escape from a certain death. The pain involved in such an act was unimaginable to the ordinary person.

As for why the two were there...

Feather Transformation Heaven Palace had been attacking the Eight Directions Immutable Array for half a year.

Chu Xuan and Wan Wuying had taken the opportunity to travel southwards, nearing this location. However, they had kept their distance to avoid getting involved in the fray.

The two exchanged glances, seeing the thrill in each other's eyes. They immediately moved stealthily closer.

Now was clearly the perfect time to strike at the disciples of Feather Transformation Heaven Palace!

Chapter 169: My Cultivation of Merit Is Just a Bit More Than His

"Still no token..."

Chu Xuan stored the headless corpse within the tower. The storage bag also fell into his hands.

However, after a thorough search, he found no token inside the storage bag of this disciple from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

He had already slain three Foundation Establishment disciples of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

Yet, not a single token was obtained.

Whose possession was the token in?

Chu Xuan pondered briefly, suspecting that the tokens might be held by the confidants of those three middle-aged men, the Golden Core cultivators.

From his waistband, the voice of Wan Wuying emanated from the transmission jade.

"I still haven't managed to get the token, have you?"

Chu Xuan replied, "I haven't either."

"It seems we must make a move on the Golden Core cultivators."

"They surely have ways to contact the Nascent Soul cultivators. We must act swiftly and decisively, giving them no chance to retaliate."

Neither had made an immediate move against the Golden Core cultivators of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

After all, they were cultivators of the same realm. And from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace no less. Their strength was undoubtedly formidable.

Should they encounter a tough opponent and fail to subdue them swiftly, they might instead find themselves ensnared in a tight encirclement, complicating matters significantly.

But now, for the sake of the token to the extraterritorial battlefield, they must take the risk!

Wan Wuying spoke softly, "I've spotted a Golden Core cultivator from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace. Come to me."

Chu Xuan immediately steered the Imperial Sky Mirror, flying low.

Before long, the two of them encountered a Golden Core cultivator from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace, currently engaged in a fierce battle with a Hundred Refinements Sect's Golden Core cultivator, whose body had been invaded by a fierce spirit.

Judging by the battle, victory seemed imminent.

Wan Wuying said in a deep tone, "I'll serve as the bait, you make the move."

Chu Xuan nodded, "Alright."

Wan Wuying concealed his aura, suppressing it to the mere initial stage of Golden Core, and madly dashed towards the battlefield.

His act was convincing.

As if his mind, too, had been invaded by a fierce spirit.

Chu Xuan secretly scoffed, Wan Wuying's act was so believable—could it be that he had similar experiences before?

With a splash, Han Xiong dispatched the demon-possessed cultivator before him, extracting his soul with a secret technique of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

Upon close inspection, he found nothing unusual and discarded it to the side. Clearly, this man did not harbor the Nascent Soul of Shang Tianjue. He had mistaken his target.

Securing Shang Tianjue's fragmented Nascent Soul would indeed be a significant accomplishment. Han Xiong was merely a trusted cultivator under the third disciple of the Spirit Feather True Master. To that Nascent Soul cultivator, he was but a tool, needing to achieve a great feat to be nurtured further.

Thus, Han Xiong had been relentlessly pursuing those cultivators whose bodies had been invaded by fierce spirits, sparing none.

"Hmm? Another one?"

Han Xiong turned toward a frenzied cultivator charging at him from a distance and immediately drew his sword to strike.

However, upon contact, he realized something was amiss. The man's eyes suddenly cleared, and with a single-handed seal, he blasted out a rugged ghost claw aiming to capture him!

Simultaneously, Han Xiong felt a murderous intent erupt from behind. He had unwittingly found himself sandwiched between two Golden Core cultivators!

"Heh, two demon cultivators daring to stir the waters?" Han Xiong sneered, his annoyance turning into pleasure.

Did they really think a Golden Core cultivator of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace was akin to an ordinary one?

Slaying these two Golden Core cultivators and seizing their storage bags would net him a tidy profit.

"Scatter!"

Han Xiong roared, and a burst of meritorious golden light exploded from behind his head. The rugged ghost claw hadn't even fully closed before it was blasted away, dissipating much of its ghostly energy.

The ghost claw that eventually fell was instantly shattered by Han Xiong.

Han Xiong scoffed, "Let's see if you dare kill me!"

Wan Wuying's gaze sharpened.

Meritorious golden light! And so intensely concentrated!

It could only be achieved by saving tens of thousands of mortals! No wonder Han Xiong was undaunted by their ambush. Demonic cultivators dreaded such individuals the most.

Cloaked in merit, as impenetrable as a turtle's shell, they were unbiteable. Demonic cultivators' attacks, laden with yin qi, ghost qi, and evil qi, were all scattered by merit. Their power was reduced to merely sixty or seventy percent.

Even more lethal was the karmic backlash involved in killing such a person. The more merit one possessed, the greater the retribution for their death!

Long ago, on the Mystic Azure Star, mortals compiled the "Three Character Classic" to enlighten children.

The day the scripture was completed, the heavens sent a soul-cleansing golden rain. Golden blossoms fell chaotically, and dragons and phoenixes appeared auspiciously. Such marvels swarmed forth.

Even the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace were shaken.

Later, two major sects, blinded by their interests, clashed fiercely, their conflict eventually engulfing the town where these mortals resided.

The meritorious mortal, caught in the crossfire, tragically perished.

The Golden Core cultivator responsible for the mortal's death was instantly consumed by a mysteriously emerging earthly fire tribulation.

That same day, a heavenly thunder tribulation descended, reducing the Nascent Soul ancestors of the two sects to ashes!

Since then, many cultivators of Mystic Azure Star realized a fundamental truth.

Merit is immensely powerful!

Before attempting to harm those endowed with merit, it is wise to consider whether one can withstand the karmic backlash.

Wan Wuying, witnessing the golden light of merit, immediately thought of retreating.

Over the years, he had slain numerous cultivators and mortals, accumulating a heavy burden of negative karma.

He dared not test his limits any further.

He looked towards Chu Xuan, who had even earned the nickname of a ruthless Old Devil.

His demonic practices had advanced rapidly over the years, surely involving the slaughter of countless innocents.

His karmic debt was undoubtedly no less than Wan Wuying's.

Chu Xuan, too, would surely hesitate to strike.

"Let's retreat..."

Wan Wuying transmitted his thoughts.

"I can handle it," Chu Xuan responded without hesitation, his fist thundering through the air.

Han Xiong had not expected that, even after displaying such potent meritorious light, his opponent would recklessly charge forward.

"Seeking death," Han Xiong scoffed, uttering a low shout as a shield of golden light, brimming with merit, appeared around him.

At the same time, two magic treasures, one on each side, lunged towards Chu Xuan in a lethal assault!

Boom!

Chu Xuan's fist struck down. In an instant, it sent two magic treasures flying, both showing cracks and losing their luster.

Han Xiong's expression subtly changed.

A physical body shattering low-grade magic treasures! This man was undoubtedly a body cultivator!

Yet, with such merit within him, he should be able to withstand this strike. He didn't flinch...

But then, a crisp crack resounded.

Han Xiong's head was obliterated on the spot.

The golden light of merit instantly turned a ghastly red, surging into Chu Xuan like a fierce ghost.

Wan Wuying watched in pity.

It was unnecessary. The karmic backlash from killing this man—you couldn't possibly handle it.

It seemed that his former junior brother was about to perish.

However, to his astonishment, Chu Xuan seemed unbothered, casually storing Han Xiong's headless body in the Corpse Nurturing Tower.

He stood still, examining the storage bag he picked up.

Moments later, he exclaimed in surprise, "There are tokens! A full ten tokens!"

Wan Wuying stared at Chu Xuan in shock, as if seeing him for the first time.

"You don't feel the karmic backlash?" Wan Wuying couldn't help but ask.

Chu Xuan shook his head, "No, I don't feel anything. Was this man's merit significant? It seemed rather ordinary to me."

Wan Wuying replied, "...He must have saved at least ten thousand mortals to accumulate such merit! We demonic cultivators struggle to withstand such severe karmic backlash."

Chu Xuan chuckled, "Actually, I also cultivate merit, just a bit more than him."

Wan Wuying rolled his eyes, "…Do I look like a fool to you?"

Chapter 170: The Death of Spirit Feather True Master

Cultivating merit? Why don't you go save all the suffering people in the world?

Chu Xuan knew that Wan Wuying would never believe his words. He had just said it casually.

However, the karmic backlash from killing Han Xiong was indeed trivial to him. He couldn't even feel a hint of it.

Of course, for Wan Wuying, such a backlash would be terrifying. Perhaps it was this very act that had crossed the line, ultimately inviting the punishment of the human race's heavenly dao.

Wan Wuying said solemnly, "...Are you really alright? Don't force yourself."

Chu Xuan smiled and nodded, "I'm very well."

Seeing no signs of distress, Wan Wuying nodded, "Then let's hurry and leave. Having slain a Golden Core from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace, we'll likely face retaliation soon."

The two swiftly flew close to the ground and soon vanished.

Elsewhere.

Spirit Feather True Master looked at the Nascent Soul fragments brought by his subordinates, his expression growing uglier.

"This isn't right, only a part of this is Shang Tianjue's Nascent Soul; these are not his qi! These belong to other Nascent Soul cultivators! That cunning boy had planned it all along, prepared another Nascent Soul! With the two Nascent Souls mixed together, it's even harder to find...This damned thing."

Spirit Feather True Master, unusually, lost his composure. He couldn't help but grind his teeth in frustration. His three disciples were dumbfounded.

"Ah? It's not Shang Tianjue's Nascent Soul?! Whose Nascent Soul is it then?"

Spirit Feather True Master, exasperated, snapped, "You ask me, who do I ask?"

The three disciples just scratched their heads.

A few hours later, all disciples of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace returned, handing over the scattered Nascent Soul fragments to Spirit Feather True Master.

"Only two-thirds are here; the remaining third has escaped."

Spirit Feather True Master's gaze was icy cold, "Third disciple, you stay here and dig three feet into the ground if you must, but find me Shang Tianjue's remaining Nascent Soul! If you can't find it, don't bother returning to the Feather Transformation Island!"

The third disciple sighed inwardly, but could only nod in agreement.

A sudden spark of insight flashed in Spirit Feather True Master's mind, and his expression dramatically changed. Throughout the day, something had felt amiss, yet he couldn't pinpoint the source. At that moment, he finally understood.

Shang Xingchen!

Shang Tianjue's half-brother, Shang Xingchen, had not appeared yet. Knowing he was outmatched, Shang Tianjue had still shown up, employing every tactic to delay time—likely to aid Shang Xingchen!

What could Shang Xingchen rely on that could threaten the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace? It was… that thing!

This realization was why Spirit Feather True Master's expression had altered so drastically. Thinking this, he immediately set off for the central continent.

He needed to return to Feather Transformation Island quickly!

That thing… that thing must not be lost!

"Master…"

The eldest disciple began to speak.

The third disciple frowned, "Master…?"

The second disciple whispered, "Could Master be worried that Shang Tianjue's delay was to buy time for Shang Xingchen? That's impossible; though they are half-brothers, they have always been rivals. Shang Tianjue has nearly killed Shang Xingchen several times!"

Spirit Feather True Master was about to respond when suddenly, a rift tore open in the distant sky.

An immensely terrifying aura descended abruptly.

This presence, as soon as it appeared, swept across the entire Mystic Azure Star. All beings, whether human or beast, trembled uncontrollably.

Spirit Feather True Master's three disciples felt it, and so did Chu Xuan and Wan Wuying, who were fleeing far away. Even Spirit Feather True Master, a Deity Transformation cultivator, was filled with fear and astonishment.

"What is happening?"

This question echoed in everyone's minds.

Chu Xuan looked towards the sky. He saw a gigantic hand reaching through the rift. A blue lotus slowly rose from somewhere below, settling into the palm of that enormous hand.

The blue lotus was suffused with a verdant divine light, and a single glance at it cleared the mind, suggesting it was an extraordinary spiritual entity.

Following this, a majestic voice resonated.

"The Feather Transformation Heaven Palace concealed the primordial spirit object, the Turbid World Blue Lotus. Spirit Feather Daoist knowingly committed this crime, and thus must be punished!"

The gigantic hand slammed down fiercely.

Overwhelmed with fear, Spirit Feather True Master did not hesitate to use the essence of his Nascent Soul to teleport instantly. In the blink of an eye, he had moved thousands of zhang away. Even as he fled, he cried out, "Emissary, hear my explanation! I..."

But before he could finish, the giant hand thunderously crashed down.

In an instant, Spirit Feather True Master was smashed deep into the earth. The mountain beneath him became a colossal crater. Surrounding rivers surged violently towards it, quickly forming a massive lake at the site.

A severe earthquake radiated in all directions, yet it didn't spread far, as if skillfully contained within a specific range.

As for Spirit Feather True Master, his physical body and Nascent Soul were instantly vaporized and annihilated. Everything inside his storage bag was also obliterated. Nothing was left behind.

Chu Xuan and Wan Wuying watched this scene unfold with utter shock resonating within them.

Wan Wuying exclaimed in amazement, "What... what level of power does it take to act like this? To annihilate a Deity Transformation stage cultivator with a single palm, vaporizing both body and soul on the spot, even an Astral Projection stage cultivator couldn't achieve that, right?"

Chu Xuan was speechless. He only felt how fierce the display of power was.

However, after a brief moment of shock, he quickly regained his composure. There was no need to aim too high.

He hadn't even reached the step of transforming his Core into a Soul. How could he contemplate even higher realms?

The only thing he regretted was the loss of Spirit Feather True Master's storage bag.

Ah. Why crush it? Give me a chance to have a look at it.

"The primordial spirit object... the Turbid World Blue Lotus? Although I'm not sure what that is, it must be valuable to the Reincarnation Divine Church. Spirit Feather True Master's hoarding of this treasure invited disaster. Shang Tianjue delayed here; could it have been Shang Xingchen who exposed this?"

Chu Xuan pondered deeply.

Just as this thought surfaced, that majestic voice once again echoed through Mystic Azure.

"Shang Xingchen presents the Turbid World Blue Lotus and has made great contributions; he may enter the extraterritorial battlefield and receive rewards. Those in possession of the battlefield tokens are to follow the summons within a month to enter the extraterritorial battlefield! Make no mistake!"

Suddenly, a streak of gray light shot through the sky.

A figure ascended towards the heavens along the gray light and quickly disappeared from sight.

It must have been Shang Xingchen, as mentioned by the voice.

Wan Wuying burst into laughter, "It really was Shang Xingchen! Tsk, tsk, tsk, those two brothers, one delaying time and the other seeking the spiritual object, really dealt a heavy blow to the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace!"

He laughed joyously, completely forgetting that he himself was bodiless, a plight caused by Shang Tianjue.

Wan Wuying added, "I heard that the disciples of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace who got the slots have already entered the extraterritorial battlefield. Heh, probably the other fifth-level cultivation sects will start targeting the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace too!"

Chu Xuan nodded in agreement.

After this incident, it would be difficult for the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace to rise again.

"There's one month left; we should quickly sell off the extra tokens. The final profit should be split between us sixty-forty, given that you killed that Golden Core cultivator from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace and bore the karmic backlash," Wan Wuying whispered.

Chu Xuan coughed lightly, "Senior brother, since I bore the brunt of the karmic force, I think a seventy-thirty split would be more appropriate."

Wan Wuying looked at him, speechless for a long while, before finally saying, "…Alright."