Demonic Cultivator 531-540 (Patreon)

Chapter 531: I Curse You to Perish Here!

Sun Yuan, judging others by his own standards, couldn't fathom how He Liang, a newly ascended Deity Transformation cultivator, could possess so many spiritual artifacts.

When Sun Yuan himself had first entered Deity Transformation, it took him a decade of scraping together resources and selling several top-grade magic treasures to acquire a single low-grade spiritual artifact. During that time, he relied on mere top-grade magic treasures and Nascent Soul-level techniques. Every cultivator stepping into a higher realm had their share of humbling struggles—so why didn't He Liang?

Three low-grade spiritual artifacts at once! Such extravagance! And wielding three simultaneously demanded immense mental fortitude. How could a newly minted Deity Transformation cultivator like He Liang have such a robust primordial spirit?

As the shadowy Dark Phantom Robe descended upon him, Sun Yuan had no time to ponder. He slapped a talisman, conjuring a massive golden barrier before him. With a clang, the robe missed its mark.

Facing Chu Xuan's amused smile, Sun Yuan retaliated with another Deity Transformation-level talisman. As it burned, it transformed into a colossal golden sword, thrusting straight at Chu Xuan. To his shock, the sword struck nothing but air—Chu Xuan had vanished, leaving only an illusion.

"When did he disappear?" Sun Yuan gasped.

"Right here," a calm voice sounded behind him.

In the next instant, a torrent of blood qi coalesced into a massive furnace, crashing down from above. With a thunderous boom, the golden barrier from the talisman shattered like fragile glass. The blood qi furnace continued its descent, aiming straight for Sun Yuan's head.

Staring at the overwhelming blood qi, Sun Yuan's eyes widened as he roared, "You're a body refinement cultivator!" Without hesitation, he abandoned his physical body and Nascent Soul, his primordial spirit fleeing. In a flash, it darted hundreds of zhang away.

"You can't escape," Chu Xuan's indifferent voice echoed.

Sun Yuan sneered inwardly. Can't escape? I already have! By sacrificing his body and Nascent Soul, his primordial spirit could live to fight another day. Damn you, He Liang—just wait!

But as he fled, a swarm of crimson bees appeared ahead. Before he could react, they unleashed a torrent of black-red flames—Netherfire Devouring Flame!

"Aaah!" Sun Yuan's primordial spirit screamed as the flames engulfed it. The Netherfire Devouring Flame, capable of harming both body and soul, was unstoppable in his current state. His primordial spirit fueled the blaze, intensifying its ferocity.

"Spare me… spare my life, Fellow Daoist He! We don't have a blood feud!" Sun Yuan wailed.

Chu Xuan smiled faintly. "When the corpse demons attacked Golden Phoenix Island, if I hadn't hidden my strength, I'd already be dead. If I had begged you for help that day, would you have saved me?"

Sun Yuan's screams faded, as if he had perished. Chu Xuan, hands clasped behind his back, waited patiently. Whether Sun Yuan was feigning death or truly gone, he'd wait until the flames finished their work.

"You bastard… you deserve to die!" Sun Yuan's venomous curse erupted from the flames. "He Liang! I curse you to never escape this black light! I curse you to perish here!"

Chu Xuan chuckled. "Fine, fine, whatever makes you happy."

Sun Yuan's voice dwindled to nothing. As the Netherfire Devouring Flame consumed his primordial spirit, its intensity waned. With a wave of his hand, Chu Xuan dispersed the flames, nodding in satisfaction.

"The power of the Netherfire Devouring Flame has truly surpassed its former limits," Chu Xuan remarked. When it had absorbed the Nine Yang Golden Flame, it took considerable time, rendering the flame unusable as a trump card for a while. Now, its first display of might was nothing short of domineering.

Chu Xuan casually collected Sun Yuan's body and swiftly gathered the Dark Concealment Fruit from the ironwood forest before making his exit. He sensed others approaching—likely drawn by the commotion of the battle. To avoid unnecessary trouble, it was best to leave quickly. But even in haste, he adhered to his principle of erasing all traces of his presence.

No sooner had he left than two figures arrived—Yun Feijian of the Divine Sword Sect and De Yuan of the Serpent Buddha Temple. Their islands were the closest, so they were the first to reach the scene.

"It seems two Deity Transformation cultivators clashed here," De Yuan said quietly.

Yun Feijian surveyed the area. "They were careful, cleaning up most of their tracks. But some traces remain…" He pointed to the nearby sea, where patches of frozen water lingered.

De Yuan's eyes narrowed. "Could it be…?"

Yun Feijian's voice was heavy. "That's the signature icy spike from Sun Yuan's Frost Spike Gourd. I've seen him use it multiple times—I'm certain."

After the Serpent Buddha Temple was pulled into the black light, Yun Feijian had sought out De Yuan, and the two formed an alliance. He had shared the events of Golden Phoenix Island, so De Yuan knew about Sun Yuan and He Liang.

"It was likely Sun Yuan fighting another Deity Transformation cultivator. The outcome is unclear," De Yuan murmured.

Yun Feijian took a deep breath, his voice tinged with regret. "If he hadn't left, today would've been his end!"

De Yuan sighed softly. "A pity for Fellow Daoist Heartless."

"Someone else is coming. Let's go," Yun Feijian said, his gaze sharpening. The two quickly departed.

After their exit, cultivators from Hidden Bone Hall and the Heaven-Shaking Divine Sect arrived, detecting traces of Sun Yuan's battle with the Hidden Bone Hall cultivator. Chu Xuan's presence, however, remained completely erased, leaving no hint of a third party.

Much later, another figure appeared. Disheveled, with tattered robes, his aura fluctuated wildly—sometimes towering like a mountain, sometimes deep as the sea, and at times like a mortal devoid of spiritual qi. His expression was a bizarre mix of madness and rationality, embodying contradiction. If Chu Xuan were here, he'd recognize the face: Bao, the old demon who had fled the dark palace in the Heavenly Metal Battlefield, calling himself Luo Zu.

Luo Zu inhaled deeply, his eyes lighting up. "Such a formidable spiritual flame! It harms both body and soul—exactly what I need! I must find its owner!"

Forming a hand seal to divine the flame's source, he was stunned to find the target had vanished. "Where did they go?" he muttered, baffled. With his restored cultivation, tracking the flame's owner should have been effortless. How could they escape?

"Could they have a unique treasure that conceals them from divination?" Luo Zu scratched his head, unable to find an answer. "If that's the case, I'll just slaughter every faction nearby. That'll flush them out…"

Chapter 532: Too Cautious!

No sooner had Luo Zu spoken than his crazed expression vanished, replaced by cold rationality. He immediately dismissed his earlier thought. "No… there's a little pest out there hunting me. I can't afford to draw attention now. The Fallen Domain is brimming with treasures, and that spiritual flame's owner is strong. They'll show up again eventually. I'll just wait on a nearby island and bide my time."

With a glance at the surrounding islands, Luo Zu dove into the ironwood forest, settling in to wait.

...

Meanwhile, Chu Xuan had returned to the Water Curtain Cave on Blue Star. Today's haul surpassed everything he'd gathered over the past month, largely thanks to Golden Light True Master, Sun Yuan. Since leaving the Divine Sword Sect, Sun Yuan had stumbled into one opportunity after another, consistently finding quality essence-nurturing spirit items and even lucking into the mysterious Cold Heaven Ring.

Chu Xuan inventoried Sun Yuan's storage bag with a chuckle: twelve ordinary essence-nurturing spirit items, two high-grade ones, the Cold Heaven Ring, a low-grade spiritual artifact (the Frost Spike Gourd), two low-grade Deity Transformation talismans, and a staggering thirty thousand large spirit stones.

"Robbing and killing really does pay off," he mused. But such perfect opportunities were rare. Sun Yuan had plenty of trump cards and formidable strength. If Chu Xuan had been too eager to kill him, he might have fallen into a trap. Other Deity Transformation cultivators would assess their odds in a fight and flee if outmatched, leaving no chance for Chu Xuan to set up an ambush.

Setting the spirit items aside, Chu Xuan focused on the Cold Heaven Ring. A so-called "mysterious treasure" wasn't without grade—it was simply too enigmatic to classify. As he touched it, the ring began voraciously draining his spiritual qi. He paused but didn't pull back. Soon, the ring seemed sated, ceasing its absorption. Chu Xuan effortlessly imprinted his spiritual sense, meeting no resistance.

Probing further, he uncovered one of the ring's functions: the ability to change size, as Sun Yuan had demonstrated. With a command, it could expand from bracelet-sized to over a dozen zhang or shrink to the thickness of a finger. The metal was extraordinary, and Chu Xuan sensed this was only one of its abilities—others remained hidden.

Comparing it to his other spiritual artifacts, he found the Cold Heaven Ring outclassed them all, likely rivaling mid-grade spiritual artifacts. However, activating it consumed far more spiritual qi and sense. After just four size shifts, Chu Xuan felt dizzy. This treasure was either a decisive trump card or nothing—unsuitable for routine combat.

"Another tool in my arsenal," Chu Xuan said, nodding with a smile. After storing the ring, he began refining the essence-nurturing spirit items.

Many factors contributed to the gap between Deity Transformation cultivators—suitable spiritual artifacts, favorable circumstances, and more. But some factors were particularly crucial.

The primary factor distinguishing Deity Transformation cultivators was the quality of their Nascent Soul, with cultivation realm being secondary. If a first-layer Deity Transformation cultivator, fresh from advancement, seized a monumental opportunity to vastly enhance their heavenly, earthly, and human essences, they could easily crush a sixth-layer Deity Transformation cultivator. Only a seventh-layer cultivator might stand a chance against them. This underscored the critical importance of essence-nurturing spirit items.

Chu Xuan's Nascent Soul, nourished by the Heavenly Dao Golden Lotus, was already superior to others in its three essences. With these new spirit items, his strength soared even further, like a tiger sprouting wings.

...

Time flew by once more. On this day, Chu Xuan returned to Jade Peak Island in the Starshatter Sea. Gazing at the unchanging, gray haze around him, he shook his head. "Another half-year gone, and still no sign of the black light receding. This oppressive grayness only deepens the despair."

He regularly deployed his Light Spirit Moths to scout the surroundings, each time gaining a broader map of the seas. As he'd suspected, more cultivators, seas, and islands were being drawn into the black light. He also noticed a pattern: the closer to the Starshatter Sea's center, the more abundant the treasures. Islands near the East First Ring, in particular, saw spiritual plants growing and mutating at a far faster rate than those in the East Second Ring.

Should he venture to the East First Ring? Chu Xuan pondered briefly before shaking his head. It was possible, but unnecessary. The East Second Ring, while less rich in treasures, still offered plenty. With his Light Spirit Moths, he could easily locate and claim these items. The East First Ring, with its smaller territory and heightened conflicts, would likely drag him into chaotic struggles. Why risk his life in a free-for-all when he could steadily gather resources without danger? That was never his path.

Of course, he wouldn't refuse the generosity of certain cultivators who insisted on delivering gifts to his doorstep, like Sun Yuan had.

"Keep cultivating," Chu Xuan resolved. "No matter how the situation shifts, I'll focus on strengthening myself and avoid muddy waters. With enough power, the waters clear themselves."

Smiling faintly, he checked the surrounding seas as usual before returning to the Water Curtain Cave on Blue Star.

...

"Damn it…" Luo Zu muttered, erupting from his hiding spot, his expression brimming with frustration. "I've waited over half a year! The owner of that spiritual flame really won't show themselves—too cautious!"

His earlier assumptions had been completely wrong. This person didn't play by any predictable rules.

"I need to kill someone to vent," he growled, his eyes bloodshot, barely containing his rage. But just as quickly, his expression shifted to cold rationality. "No, I can't do something so foolish. I've only just awakened, with nothing but a dark palace and an empty mind. I need to reclaim my memories. I need to know who I am. I can't act recklessly…"

Taking deep breaths, Luo Zu's mania subsided, replaced by absolute clarity. His gaze turned eastward, toward the East First Ring. "If I can't track down this spiritual flame's owner, I'll find another. The Ji family on Purple Flame Island has the Heart-Burning Purple Flame. It's not as potent as this flame, but it'll do for now."

With that, Luo Zu rode the wind and vanished in an instant.

Chapter 534: Black Dragon Token

On Heavenly Yin Island, Shang Xingchen studied the token in his hand, lost in thought. Ancient and weathered, it bore the carving of a black dragon with twin horns and four clawed limbs, its ferocious visage seeming ready to devour. He had obtained this token from the secret vault of the Three Corpses Hall. As the personal disciple of Ancestor Ye, his status granted him access to the vault, where he could claim one treasure left by the ancestor. Among all the items, this Black Dragon Token had caught his eye immediately.

He couldn't explain why—only that it felt like a fated premonition. This token might be the key to his path of seeking immortality.

In life, people often experience countless premonitions. Most are mere illusions, proven wrong. But if even one proves true, it could change everything. Shang Xingchen believed this might be that pivotal moment.

Stowing the Black Dragon Token, he exited the vault. As he passed, Three Corpses Hall disciples bowed respectfully. Shang Xingchen nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Suddenly, he noticed a group of cultivators boarding a ship, preparing to depart. "Where are you headed?" he asked.

A disciple replied, "Uncle Master Shang, the black light has appeared in nearby waters. On the orders of the masters, we're setting out to investigate."

Shang Xingchen nodded, about to respond, when he noticed the sky turning gray and hazy. The sea grew lifeless, dull, and silent, as if they had been transported to another world in an instant. The Starshatter Sea cultivators felt a deep unease.

The Three Corpses Hall disciples looked around, confused. Shang Xingchen frowned. "It seems you don't need to go. We're already inside the black light."

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. Three figures appeared, hovering above Heavenly Yin Island. They were the three hall masters of the Three Corpses Hall, all Deity Transformation masters. The leader, Great Hall Master Cui Jingyang, known as Leisurely Cloud True Master, spoke in a low voice: "Three Corpses Hall cultivators, immediately scout the surroundings."

His late Deity Transformation authority was undeniable. Seeing the three masters' calm demeanor, the disciples steadied themselves and began their tasks methodically.

Shang Xingchen, however, felt a sudden palpitation. Frowning, he hurried back to his cave and retrieved the Black Dragon Token. As expected, it was faintly glowing red and growing warm—unlike its icy, ancient feel when he first acquired it.

"Strange…" he murmured. "Could this be a pass to some ancient ruin? Is it signaling me now?"

After a moment's thought, he approached Leisurely Cloud True Master and expressed his intent to leave Heavenly Yin Island alone to seek treasures for his cultivation. He made no mention of the Black Dragon Token. Even as a disciple of the Three Corpses Hall and Ancestor Ye's personal student, trusted like a junior brother by the three Deity Transformation masters, he kept his secrets. Always leaving a margin for caution was his principle.

Leisurely Cloud True Master considered briefly before saying, "It's risky to go alone with your strength. I'll assign you a Great Corpse King." With a tap on his corpse-nurturing tower, he summoned a Great Corpse King.

Shang Xingchen was taken aback. "True Master, this Great Corpse King rivals a Deity Transformation cultivator. You're entrusting it to me?"

Leisurely Cloud True Master laughed heartily. "Isn't that how corpse puppets are used? No need to worry. I've raised three Great Corpse Kings, and this one I didn't put much effort into. It's only a first-grade Great Corpse King, and I have no grand expectations for it. But it's more than enough to protect you. Plus, most Deity Transformation cultivators will steer clear once they hear the name of our Three Corpses Hall."

With that, he handed Shang Xingchen a bronze bell. "This is a specially crafted Soul-Capturing Bell, designed to control this Great Corpse King. Take some time to imprint it with your soul blood, and it'll be completely under your command. But be warned—never let the bell fall into someone else's hands, or they'll take the Corpse King with it."

Leisurely Cloud True Master's tone was serious.

Shang Xingchen nodded solemnly. "Thank you, True Master."

Leisurely Cloud True Master chuckled again. "Call me Senior Brother. The three of us were taught by our master, and now you're one of us. We're thrilled to have you."

Warmth filled Shang Xingchen's heart. "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Leisurely Cloud True Master waved dismissively. "Go on, but don't stray too far from Three Corpses Hall territory. If something happens, I won't be able to save you."

"Noted, Senior Brother," Shang Xingchen replied with a nod. He turned and left, determined to find the source of the Black Dragon Token's anomaly.

As Shang Xingchen's figure receded, Leisurely Cloud True Master narrowed his eyes, giving him a lingering, meaningful glance before turning away.

...

Meanwhile, Chu Xuan, as usual, emerged from Jade Peak Island, releasing his Light Spirit Moths to update his sea chart and harvest spiritual items from nearby islands. The small islands surrounding Jade Peak were, by unspoken agreement, his territory. Word had spread that an unidentified Deity Transformation master resided here, and unless necessary, no one dared provoke him.

Some reckless intruders, including newly ascended Deity Transformation cultivators, had ventured in, only to be swiftly dispatched by Chu Xuan. This cemented his reputation, deterring any further fools from testing their luck.

Simply harvesting treasures from nearby islands at regular intervals had already made him immensely wealthy. Robbing and killing brought quick gains, but it was a life of constant danger—one day you kill, the next someone might kill you. Steady income like this was far preferable.

Humming a tune, Chu Xuan was about to review his sea chart when he sensed something unusual. Rummaging through his universe bag, he found the Black Dragon Token, now glowing and warm. His brow furrowed as memories tied to the token surfaced.

He had obtained it after slaying True Master Tiancang, who had acquired it by chance and attempted to divine its secrets. The attempt cost Tiancang a century of lifespan, revealing only fragments—literally scales and claws—with no clear answers.

"The Black Dragon Token was dormant before, but now it's reacting strongly," Chu Xuan muttered, his frown deepening. "There must be a major change in the black light—something significant and dangerous."

Without hesitation, he sealed the token in a jade box and buried it deep within his storage bag. "You want me to take this Black Dragon Token and dive into some perilous mystery? Not a chance!"

Chapter 535: The Number One Below Deity Transformation

Above the vast sea, two figures sped forward on a flying boat—Blood Wine True Master and Shang Tianjue. Their destination was the Three Corpses Hall in the West First Ring.

Some time ago, a rogue cultivator from the West First Ring, pursued by enemies, had fled into the black light by mistake. Somehow, due to the spatial distortions within the black light, they ended up near Golden Thunder Island, having crossed half the Starshatter Sea.

Blood Wine True Master swiftly dealt with both parties and used a soul-searching technique, uncovering a widely circulated rumor from the West First Ring: a Nascent Soul cultivator had emerged from the forbidden Heavenly Corpse Island of the Three Corpses Hall, inheriting the legacy of Ancestor Ye Hantian. That cultivator was none other than Shang Xingchen.

Upon hearing this, Shang Tianjue wasted no time, setting out from Golden Thunder Island for the Three Corpses Hall's stronghold, Heavenly Yin Island. Blood Wine True Master followed, reasoning that their mission was to investigate the black light's secrets. Lingering on Golden Thunder Island was a waste of time—exploring might yield clues about the black light's nature.

As for Yun Lan, she had sensed something amiss after Zhang Jinzhou and Tian Musen's sudden deaths. Using the pretext of seeking treasures, she fled, and by the time Shang Tianjue noticed, she was long gone.

As the two sped through the air, they spotted a group of cultivators clashing ahead. Blood Wine True Master and Shang Tianjue exchanged a glance. Normally, they might have intervened to mediate, but now, neither wanted to waste time. Shang Tianjue was focused on finding Shang Xingchen, while Blood Wine True Master was eager to see him succeed, hoping to earn the title of "Master" from his disciple.

But, as fate would have it, trouble found them. Just as they passed by, the battle ended, and their presence was noticed.

"Shang Tianjue! It's you!" A boisterous laugh rang out.

Shang Tianjue turned to see Situ Kong from the Exquisite Treasures Alliance. The figure beside him was unmistakable—Heavenly Fortune True Master, a Deity Transformation elder of the same alliance.

Heavenly Fortune True Master squinted, smiling. "Bloodwine, I didn't expect we'd meet like this."

Blood Wine True Master frowned. "We have business to attend to."

Heavenly Fortune True Master chuckled. "What's the rush? Can't we have a little spar? Not between us, of course, but these two." He gestured toward Situ Kong and Shang Tianjue.

Situ Kong glared at Shang Tianjue, sneering. "Shang Tianjue, I've waited too long for this day." Pointing at him, he declared, "You'll be my stepping stone!"

Shang Tianjue's brow furrowed. "I'm in a hurry. Let's fight another time." Without hesitation, he urged the flying boat to surge forward, speeding westward.

Situ Kong laughed coldly. "Escape? Not a chance! Stay right there!" He activated his escape technique, closing in on Shang Tianjue. Golden light erupted from his hand, transforming into a torrent of golden swords that rained down like a storm toward Shang Tianjue.

Shang Tianjue's brow furrowed. "Get lost!"

A massive hand of dark yin qi coalesced, grabbing at the air. The torrent of golden swords exploded into a shower of shattered golden light. The yin qi hand continued its assault, charging toward Situ Kong.

Situ Kong's expression shifted as he hurriedly summoned a giant shield to block. Even so, the impact sent him reeling dozens of zhang before he stopped. Looking up, he saw Shang Tianjue still had no intention of engaging him.

"You treat me like I'm nothing!" Situ Kong's face darkened with rage. "Shang Tianjue, you're too arrogant!" Accelerating his escape technique, he chased after him, summoning a small sword and infusing it with immense spiritual qi. In an instant, the sword expanded into a colossal blade over ten zhang long, slashing down as if to cleave the sea in two.

"How noisy," Shang Tianjue muttered, frowning. With a wave of his hand, a small bone tower appeared in his palm. In a blink, it swelled to over twenty zhang tall. The nine-layered bone tower was adorned with grotesque skeletons, vivid in detail, while cold, pale flames burned within, eternal and unyielding.

The bone tower smashed forward, its white flames surging out. In an instant, the giant sword was shattered into three pieces, sinking into the sea. The flames roared onward, engulfing Situ Kong. He managed only two screams before his body was incinerated. A new, wailing skull appeared on the bone tower's surface.

After effortlessly crushing Situ Kong, the tower shrank back to Shang Tianjue's palm. He continued urging the flying boat westward, his speed undeterred by the brief skirmish.

Heavenly Fortune True Master was stunned, his mind reeling. Situ Kong, a prodigy with a heavenly spirit root, hadn't lasted two rounds against Shang Tianjue. Not only was he defeated, but he was obliterated, his bones absorbed into the tower. The gap in strength was staggering.

Blood Wine True Master chuckled. "Do you understand the weight of being the number one below Deity Transformation? Situ Kong dared to challenge my disciple—that's the real arrogance."

Heavenly Fortune True Master's fury erupted. "Shang Tianjue, you killed a genius of the Exquisite Treasures Alliance. You're not leaving today!" He moved to attack, but Blood Wine True Master flashed in front of him, grinning. "Good disciple, go on ahead. I'll have a little fun with this guy."

As the two Deity Transformation masters clashed, their shockwaves stirred towering waves. Shang Tianjue rode the surge, speeding westward. To him, no one else mattered. His only goal was to find Shang Xingchen and demand answers—why had his half-brother insisted on giving him the chance to join the Heaven-Shaking Divine Sect? Shang Tianjue never liked owing anyone, not even his own kin.

...

In the East First Ring, Ji Canghai and Ji Qianqian hid on a spiritually barren island.

"Uncle Hai, can we really get out?" Ji Qianqian asked softly.

Ji Canghai smiled. "Of course. I'll make sure of it." But despite his words, the unchanging gray sky filled him with despair. He had tracked down Frost True Master, Leng Jixin, and paid a steep price to learn who had abducted Ji Yunjin, the third miss of the Ji family.

It was Master Song Tingfeng of the Exquisite Treasures Alliance, hired by Hidden Bone Hall to capture her alive. Song's plan failed, but Hidden Bone Hall's Second Hall Master, Jiang Yuan, had been lurking at the Ten Thousand Treasures Assembly. He personally intervened, shattering Ji Canghai's Deity Transformation array and taking Ji Yunjin.

Ji Canghai had planned to reach Purple Flame Island to inform the Ji family patriarch of the situation, hoping they would intervene to rescue Ji Yunjin. But upon arriving in the East First Ring, he was inexplicably pulled into the black light. No matter what methods he tried, he couldn't escape. Witnessing cultivators turn into ruthless bandits, slaughtering each other over treasures in the blink of an eye, he dared not linger on populous islands. Thus, he hid on this barren one.

Just days ago, during a discreet trade with trusted cultivators, he received shocking news: the Ji family on Purple Flame Island had been annihilated. Though not a powerhouse like Hidden Bone Hall, the Ji family had a mid-stage Deity Transformation cultivator.

For them to vanish so suddenly was staggering. Many had flocked to Purple Flame Island to loot, reaping plenty of treasures, but the most prized possession—the Heart-Burning Purple Flame—had vanished. No one knew whether surviving Ji family members had fled with it or if the perpetrator who destroyed the family had taken it.

Spiritual flames were divided into innate and acquired types. Innate flames, born of nature, were exceedingly rare, unseen for millions of years. The Heart-Burning Purple Flame was an acquired flame, cultivated by the Ji family ancestor using their clan's techniques to refine earthfire.

Though acquired, it was immensely powerful. Apart from the ancestor, only one descendant had ever tamed it, and none of the Ji family's Nascent Soul generation had succeeded. For such a treasure to disappear was a profound loss.

Ji Canghai was now adrift in confusion. With the Ji family gone, how could he rescue Ji Yunjin on his own? How could he confront Hidden Bone Hall's Second Hall Master, Jiang Yuan, a Deity Transformation master?

"My strength is still too weak…" he mocked himself with a bitter smile. He had once believed that mastering artifact refining would ensure his place in the world, with others begging for his services. As a result, he neglected his cultivation, focusing on the path of artifacts. But recent events had shifted his perspective. Personal power was the eternal truth. Without strength, how could he protect those he cherished? Without strength, how could he live freely and unrestrained?

At that moment, he sensed something unusual. Frowning, he rummaged through his storage bag, finally pulling out a dusty token from a corner. It bore the carving of a ferocious black dragon, its presence commanding and brimming with menace. One glance revealed it was no ordinary item. Now, it glowed intensely and radiated heat, as if freshly forged from molten iron.

"This token…" Ji Canghai's expression turned to shock. He had nearly forgotten its origin. Recalling carefully, it was payment from a Heavenly Martial Pavilion cultivator for refining a treasure. The cultivator had offered various items, and Ji Canghai chose an ancient refining text. When his gaze fell on this token, something stirred within him, and he inexplicably picked it up. The Heavenly Martial Pavilion cultivator, deeming it a trifle, let him have it as an extra.

Later, Ji Canghai studied it whenever he had time, but its secrets eluded him. After the earthfire eruption and his expulsion from the Ji family, he had set it aside. Now, unexpectedly, it was glowing faintly.

Chapter 536: Is This Heaven's Guidance?

"Is this heaven guiding me?" Ji Canghai murmured.

Ji Qianqian, puzzled, asked, "Uncle Hai, what are you talking about?"

Ji Canghai shook his head. "Qianqian, let's go. To find your mother, I need to become stronger."

"Okay," Ji Qianqian nodded obediently.

Ji Canghai stowed the Black Dragon Token, his gaze resolute, and set off. He had a strong feeling that the place he sought was nearby—otherwise, the token's reaction wouldn't be so intense.

Days later, they arrived at another barren island, even more desolate than the last. Jagged rocks littered the landscape, with scarcely a tree in sight. Only stubborn weeds clung to life in the crevices, thriving unusually lush under the black light's influence.

"Here?" Ji Canghai surveyed the stark island, frowning deeply.

Ji Qianqian, equally confused, asked, "Uncle Hai, what are we looking for?"

Ji Canghai pulled out the Black Dragon Token and, holding Ji Qianqian's hand, wandered the island. The token's glow waxed and waned until, standing atop a particular rock, its light surged to a blinding peak. A black beam shot into the sky, accompanied by a dragon's roar that echoed for thousands of miles.

"Trouble…" Ji Canghai's face paled. Such a commotion would surely draw nearby cultivators.

At that moment, a pitch-black gate materialized before them, surrounded by twelve glowing, ancient runes orbiting it. As several streaks of light appeared in the sky, Ji Canghai gritted his teeth, grabbed Ji Qianqian, and plunged into the gate. The Black Dragon Token conjured a protective shield around them, and one of the twelve runes vanished.

Shortly after, the fastest figures arrived—two Deity Transformation masters from Hidden Bone Hall. The sect had three such masters: the Great Hall Master, a late-stage Deity Transformation cultivator, and the Second and Third Hall Masters, both mid-stage. The Third Hall Master had recently vanished, leaving only the Great Hall Master, Zheng Kejin, and the Second Hall Master, Jiang Yuan.

Zheng Kejin stared at the silently rotating black gate, frowning. "It looked like two people just entered."

Jiang Yuan, puzzled, said, "It resembles a teleportation array's light curtain." After a moment's thought, he conjured a stone and tossed it into the gate. Instantly, the stone disintegrated into dust without a sound.

Zheng Kejin's eyebrow twitched. He hadn't even sensed how the stone was destroyed.

Jiang Yuan, shaken, was grateful he hadn't tested it with his body. Zheng Kejin, after pondering, threw a low-grade spiritual artifact into the gate. It, too, turned to dust silently.

"Even a low-grade spiritual artifact was reduced to powder…" Zheng Kejin shook his head. "This gate is impassable."

Jiang Yuan frowned. "Then how did those two enter? I saw a protective shield around them from a distance."

Zheng Kejin nodded. "It's likely the shield. They must have a specific token to pass through safely."

As they spoke, more cultivators arrived, drawn by the earlier disturbance. Many from the East Second Ring, expecting a grand treasure, were disappointed to find only a barren island and a perilous black gate.

The towering black light pillar and the earth-shaking dragon roar were too conspicuous. Among the arriving cultivators, three were Deity Transformation masters. All eyes were drawn to the silently rotating black gate.

Zheng Kejin and Jiang Yuan glanced at the newcomers, their brows furrowing as they recognized them: Han Zhao, the Second Pavilion Master of Heavenly Martial Pavilion; Chen Jin, the Third Pavilion Master; and Sima Yi, the Third Manor Master of Soul-Locking Manor.

Had these three been pulled into the black light as well?

Zheng Kejin cupped his hands in greeting. "Greetings, fellow daoists. Have you also been trapped in the black light?"

The four major powers of the Starshatter Sea often clashed in secret, but on the surface, their relations remained cordial, with no deep-seated blood feuds. Thus, Zheng Kejin didn't attack immediately, instead inquiring about their circumstances. His confidence stemmed from being a late-stage Deity Transformation cultivator, outranking the others, who were mid-stage or lower. He trusted they'd give him face and avoid direct confrontation.

Han Zhao nodded. "We were tracking a group of rogue cultivators when we were suddenly pulled into the black light."

Sima Yi added gravely, "Our situation was similar. We entered the black light without warning. While wandering aimlessly, we saw this light pillar and came here."

Zheng Kejin nodded, probing further about the outside situation. His heart sank. The black light was spreading, engulfing much of the Starshatter Sea. Many cultivators, gripped by panic, were fleeing the region. At this rate, the entire sea would soon be consumed—or, more accurately, swallowed—by the black light.

"May I ask, Hall Master Zheng, what happened here?" Han Zhao asked, cupping his fists.

Zheng Kejin and Jiang Yuan exchanged a glance before recounting the events, omitting the detail of two people entering the gate. As they spoke, a reckless Golden Core cultivator seized the moment to rush toward the gate. As expected, he didn't make it through—screaming, he disintegrated into dust, scattered by the wind.

The sight stunned the onlookers, who recoiled, too afraid to approach.

Zheng Kejin shrugged. "As you can see, that's the situation. We found this gate, but tests showed it's impassable."

Han Zhao, Chen Jin, and Sima Yi frowned, deep in thought. Though they hadn't been in the black light before, they'd gathered extensive intelligence about it. Yet, they'd never heard of this black gate.

Logically, danger and opportunity went hand in hand, but this gate seemed to offer only peril. Still, leaving without exploring felt like a missed chance, especially given its extraordinary appearance.

Zheng Kejin studied the eleven remaining runes orbiting the gate, their captivating allure forcing him to look away. He sent a voice transmission to Jiang Yuan. "You're a Deity Transformation array master. Can you tell what this is?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head. "It's not an array pattern, but it seems like a product of array patterns refined to the extreme…"

Zheng Kejin cursed inwardly. If you're going to speak nonsense, at least keep it brief.

As the cultivators gathered in small groups, whispering, several more black light pillars shot up from various directions—north, south, east, and west—some distant, others close. One pillar even emanated from Han Zhao himself.

Jiang Yuan counted ten pillars in total. The cultivators around the gate were stunned. Were more black gates appearing?

Chapter 537: Not Only Do I Hope So, But So Does Everyone Here

Zheng Kejin, Jiang Yuan, Chen Jin, and Sima Yi all turned their gazes to Han Zhao. Zheng Kejin, with a half-smile, said, "Fellow Daoist Han, is there something on you?"

Chen Jin frowned and stepped closer to Han Zhao. Facing the trio's approach, their expressions darkened. Han Zhao, bewildered as to why he'd suddenly become the center of attention, took a deep breath and said, "Give me a moment to check my storage bag."

Zheng Kejin and the others nodded, stepping back slightly but forming a subtle triangular formation, trapping Han Zhao and Chen Jin in the center. The distance was calculated—close enough to keep pressure, but not so close as to provoke an immediate reaction. They knew Han Zhao and Chen Jin were body refinement cultivators, and engaging them in close combat would be unwise.

Han Zhao extended his spiritual sense into his storage bag. Almost immediately, he spotted the glowing Black Dragon Token tucked in a corner. "It's this?!" he exclaimed, memories flooding back. He had found the token on a skeleton while inadvertently drawn into the ruins of the Eight Extremes Palace with Zhao Xuan and others. Perhaps its previous owner hadn't known its purpose either.

After a moment's hesitation, Han Zhao produced the token. Its radiant heat drew every eye. Jiang Yuan glanced at the black gate and noticed one of its runes glowing brighter in response to the token's appearance.

Zheng Kejin pointed to the gate. "Please, Fellow Daoist Han, give it a try."

Han Zhao frowned. "Is Fellow Daoist Zheng ordering me?"

Chen Jin's expression turned wary.

Zheng Kejin smiled. "Not an order—just a hope. And not only mine; everyone here feels the same. If you refuse, I might understand, but I doubt the others will."

His smile was ambiguous. Han Zhao glanced around, seeing the same expectant look in the eyes of every Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivator present. Sighing, he had no choice but to approach the black gate. Outnumbered, he had to comply.

As he neared, the Black Dragon Token in his hand vibrated intensely. A protective shield enveloped him. Zheng Kejin's eyes lit up, and he lunged forward. A bone blade, long-prepared in secret, shot toward Han Zhao's arm, aiming to sever it and seize the token. Jiang Yuan and Sima Yi followed closely, their speed unrelenting.

Han Zhao froze briefly but reacted swiftly, stomping the ground and charging into the black gate at full speed. With a clang, the bone blade struck the shield and was repelled instantly.

Zheng Kejin was stunned. His carefully planned strike had been deflected so easily? Protected by the shield, Han Zhao passed through the black gate unharmed and vanished.

Though Zheng Kejin, Jiang Yuan, and Sima Yi reacted quickly, they were too far from the gate to reach Han Zhao in time. Jiang Yuan glanced at the gate again. "There were eleven runes before; now only ten remain."

He spoke softly, "The Black Dragon Token is the key. The black light pillar from Han Zhao was caused by it. If we gather the remaining ten tokens to unlock the corresponding runes, everyone should be able to enter the gate."

Upon hearing Jiang Yuan's words, Zheng Kejin's gaze darkened. He immediately ordered, "Hidden Bone Hall cultivators, disperse at once to the locations of those black light pillars and search for the Black Dragon Tokens!"

Chen Jin and Sima Yi stepped back, quietly instructing their own subordinates to act. Zheng Kejin glanced at them with a slight smile. "There should be enough tokens for each of us to claim one."

Chen Jin and Sima Yi forced smiles. "Let's hope so."

Among the surrounding cultivators, many were quick-witted and grasped the tokens' importance. They began secretly plotting to seize one for themselves. As news spread, those possessing Black Dragon Tokens became targets. Those with weaker strength fell quickly, their tokens and treasures claimed by others along with their lives. Stronger cultivators fought back, killing pursuers and fleeing, but the tokens' periodic black light pillars betrayed their locations, making even the most skilled at concealment easy to track. Even the mightiest grew harried.

The bloodstained tokens changed hands repeatedly, with no one truly securing them.

...

In the East Second Ring, on Jade Peak Island, Chu Xuan, regularly monitoring the situation through his Light Spirit Moths, noticed the anomaly. "Those black light pillars, especially that massive one… their aura feels familiar."

As he left Jade Peak Island to gather newly grown spiritual items, a black light pillar erupted from him, piercing the sky. Stunned at first, he quickly realized the source: the Black Dragon Token. No wonder the aura felt familiar.

"Several auras are rushing toward me, clearly after the token," he muttered. "So, there's more than one Black Dragon Token. This thing is no treasure—it's a hot potato!"

In mere moments, his mind raced, piecing it together. Without hesitation, he tossed the Black Dragon Token into the Myriad Realm Mirror. If hiding it in the depths of his storage bag still allowed it to emit a pillar and draw pursuers, he'd send it to another world entirely. Let's see them track it then.

Two figures rapidly approached—twin cultivators, by their identical appearances. "The Black Dragon Token is on him! Attack!" they cackled, flanking him.

Chu Xuan waved his hand, and the White Dragon Bolt shot out. Before the twins could even deploy their magic treasures, their heads were crushed instantly. Chu Xuan didn't waste their bodies, tossing them into the Heavenly Corpse Tower. They were merely late-stage Nascent Soul rogue cultivators, easily dispatched.

"Jade Peak Island isn't safe anymore. Time to move," he decided, speeding away. The light pillar had surely drawn attention from far and wide. Staying would be waiting for death. "That massive pillar appeared in the East First Ring. If I head there, I can lay low in plain sight."

Chu Xuan smiled faintly—hiding in the lion's den. With that, he summoned his flying boat and accelerated toward his destination.

As Chu Xuan flew a short distance, a subtle sensation of being watched crept over him. The feeling was faint but grew stronger, his instincts sharpened by the power of merit. He halted, scanning his surroundings. After a moment, he said calmly, "Come out."

A mocking laugh echoed. "My dear master, you're as cautious as ever. One more step, and you'd have walked right into the trap I prepared for you."

A familiar figure emerged, sneering—Wang Tiancheng, the leader of the Black Robe Bandits.

The black light severed all connections between its interior and the outside world. Since being pulled into it, Chu Xuan had lost contact with Wang Tiancheng. Narrowing his eyes, he said, "It seems you've dealt with that gu insect."

Wang Tiancheng's boldness in confronting him suggested he had neutralized the greatest threat—the hidden bee egg Chu Xuan had planted in his body.

Wang Tiancheng laughed loudly. "When I learned Golden Phoenix Island was swallowed by the black light, I started planning! Heavenly Fortune True Master gave me a treasure to suppress the gu egg, preventing it from hatching. Then, venturing into the black light, I obtained an ancient elixir. Not only did it kill the gu's vitality, but it also skyrocketed my blood qi!"

"What do you think my realm is now, He Liang, my master?" he taunted.

Chu Xuan smiled lightly. "I don't know. Tell me."

Wang Tiancheng's laughter turned wild. "Body refinement, forty-third layer! Equivalent to a third-layer Deity Transformation cultivator! He Liang, do you know how long I've waited for this day?" His eyes, bloodshot and frenzied, glared at Chu Xuan. "First, I was Song Tingfeng's lackey, then yours! I, a grand body refinement cultivator, on par with Deity Transformation masters, reduced to doing your dirty work! I hate it! I refuse to accept it! Today, He Liang, is the day you die!"

Chu Xuan's smile didn't falter, his gaze lingering on Wang Tiancheng's muscular frame—not like an enemy, but like a prized treasure. Wang Tiancheng's face darkened. "What are you looking at? What are you laughing at?" he growled.

Chu Xuan chuckled. "Your physique is impressive. It'd make fine material for corpse refining. I'm short a Great Corpse King, and your body might just produce one."

The words ignited years of pent-up rage in Wang Tiancheng. I'm a body refinement master, not corpse fodder! "He Liang, I'll kill you!" he roared, charging forward. His surging blood qi formed a crimson spear, piercing toward Chu Xuan.

Chu Xuan merely smiled. His body refinement realm outstripped Wang Tiancheng's by three layers. The spear, formidable as it seemed, was something he could shatter effortlessly. But as he prepared to act, a sharp pain stabbed through his primordial spirit—not severe, but enough to slow his reaction.

In that split second, the blood qi spear shot forward, poised to pierce him through. Wang Tiancheng grinned viciously. "Too late now! I lied earlier—I didn't kill the gu insect. I kept it, and now it's crippled you!" He raised his hand, revealing a hidden bee, tightly bound in hair-like threads, in his palm.

Chapter 538: The Identity of He Liang Can No Longer Be Used

The moment Chu Xuan saw the hidden bee, he understood what Wang Tiancheng had done. The man must have acquired some kind of curse technique, using the connection between the hidden bee and Chu Xuan to wound his primordial spirit.

However, Wang Tiancheng was unaware that the hidden bee was a progeny of Chen Xi. The curse first struck Chen Xi, and only through their innate connection did it affect Chu Xuan, significantly weakening the damage. The brunt of the curse had been borne by Chen Xi.

Chu Xuan glanced inward. Chen Xi lay in the Thousand Insect Nest, barely clinging to life, bleeding from all seven orifices. Worker bees tirelessly fed it blood honey. Though gravely injured, Chen Xi's resilience ensured it wouldn't die easily.

Facing the oncoming blood qi spear, Chu Xuan remained unfazed, merely crossing his arms to block. Wang Tiancheng let out a maniacal laugh, his grin stretching wide. He had deliberately fed Chu Xuan false information to land this critical blow.

Chu Xuan's overwhelming presence had always intimidated him. Without his string of fortunate encounters and the neutralization of the hidden bee's threat, he would never have dared challenge him.

"Go to hell!" Wang Tiancheng sneered. "Once I take your head, I'll claim a reward from Heavenly Fortune True Master!" His mind already wandered to visions of a glorious future.

Boom!

The blood qi spear struck, unleashing a thunderous roar. But to Wang Tiancheng's shock, Chu Xuan stood unmoved. The spear, instead, disintegrated upon impact, worn down and extinguished.

Squinting, Wang Tiancheng noticed a faint, almost invisible layer of starry light cloaking Chu Xuan—a gossamer garment that had blocked his meticulously prepared strike.

"What is that?!" Wang Tiancheng roared, equal parts shocked and enraged.

Chu Xuan's expression remained calm as he advanced slowly. This was the Stellar Robe, a body refinement technique from the Heavenly Star Art. By meditating on the cold heavenly stars daily, one could naturally form the Stellar Robe. It lay dormant beneath the skin, only manifesting when attacked, requiring no active effort. It absorbed stray blood qi and stellar energy, merging them into its form. So subtle was its presence that even body refinement cultivators sometimes overlooked it. Yet its defensive power was formidable.

With Chu Xuan's forty-sixth layer of body refinement far surpassing Wang Tiancheng's forty-third, and the Heavenly Star Art superior to Wang's unknown technique, the Stellar Robe effortlessly deflected the blood qi spear—a predictable outcome.

Chu Xuan had no intention of explaining this to his would-be corpse material. "Don't be afraid," he said with a smile. "You'll still shine under my command."

Wang Tiancheng stumbled back, fear resurfacing on his face. Dropping to his knees, he wailed, "Master, spare me! I was wrong!"

Chu Xuan stepped through the air, appearing before Wang Tiancheng in an instant. His right hand formed a claw, striking toward Wang's head. Wang Tiancheng's head snapped up, his eyes filled with ferocity. "You want to kill me? Then we'll die together!"

In his hands were two Deity Transformation talismans. He lunged, aiming to embrace Chu Xuan and perish together. But he froze—before him was only an illusory snow shadow.

Wang Tiancheng's eyes widened in disbelief.

A voice came from behind Wang Tiancheng. "Seeing isn't always believing. Be more careful in your next life."

A surge of overwhelming blood qi erupted, snapping Wang Tiancheng's neck in an instant. The Deity Transformation talismans clutched in his hands were effortlessly claimed by Chu Xuan. "City-Burning Talisman, Purple Thunder Talisman—likely gifts from Heavenly Fortune True Master," Chu Xuan mused, sneering. "The Exquisite Treasures Alliance has indeed traced things back to me."

The alliance was clearly investigating the mysterious disappearances of their Deity Transformation elders—Song Tingfeng, Zhao Haijian, and Song Ruzhen. Wang Tiancheng must have been caught by Heavenly Fortune True Master and chosen to defect.

"The identity of He Liang is no longer viable," Chu Xuan concluded. "But I can't use Chu Xuan yet either." He collected Wang Tiancheng's body and departed swiftly.

His journey to the East First Ring was unhurried. The region teemed with treasures, and Chu Xuan, averse to waste, made sure to collect any unclaimed spiritual items he encountered.

...

One day, as he searched for a suitable island to rest, a strange sensation struck him—something familiar was nearby. Before he could pinpoint it, an unstoppable aura descended, pressing down like a towering mountain. No matter which direction he fled, he couldn't escape its grasp.

Struggling, Chu Xuan looked up to see a figure ahead: the original Bao. But he knew Bao had died in the Heavenly Metal Battlefield, his body seized by an old demon. The demon held a half-dead figure, identity unknown.

"You?" Luo Zu recognized Chu Xuan, aware he was the original owner of this corpse puppet. "I failed to kill you last time. I won't let you escape again. Someone could use you against me."

Muttering, Luo Zu clenched his hand from afar. Chu Xuan felt an invisible grip tighten around him, the threat of death closing in like a vice. Without hesitation, he unleashed everything—White Dragon Bolt, Dark Phantom Robe, Cold Heaven Ring, Green Hell Lamp—all his spiritual artifacts launched in unison.

The Netherfire Devouring Flame roared forth, and several Deity Transformation talismans detonated, sending thunder and fire toward the demon. He then activated the Blood Burst Technique, erupting with blood qi to unleash Furnace Descends from Heaven.

Luo Zu casually waved his hand, dispelling the talismans' power. The blood qi furnace was neutralized effortlessly, and the spiritual artifacts were swatted away. Only the Cold Heaven Ring earned a second glance; the rest were beneath his notice. But the blazing Netherfire Devouring Flame made him pause.

"Hm? You're the owner of that spiritual flame?" Luo Zu hesitated, then released his grip.

Chu Xuan didn't flee, hovering in place. He sensed that, despite the loosened grip, an invisible force sealed all directions. Escape was impossible. Yet, the old demon's sudden interest in his Netherfire Devouring Flame hinted at something deeper.

Luo Zu gave a strange laugh. "Kid, do something for me."

Chu Xuan shook his head. "No. You'll kill me when it's done."

Chapter 539: Senior's Words Are Wise

Luo Zu froze, then roared in anger, "I'll kill you now and refine you into a corpse puppet!"

Chu Xuan shook his head calmly. "Kill me, and the Netherfire Devouring Flame will dissipate."

Luo Zu sneered, "I have a secret technique. Even if I end your life, I can preserve the Netherfire Devouring Flame."

Chu Xuan smiled. "If you have such a technique, why didn't you kill me just now and instead spared me?"

Luo Zu fell silent. His recovered memories were fragmented, but he knew he wasn't one for convoluted schemes in the past. If he wanted something, he'd kill and take it—no need for games. As Chu Xuan pointed out, he lacked such a technique. Otherwise, he wouldn't be dragging the half-dead Ji family patriarch around.

Chu Xuan's mind raced. His only lifeline was the Netherfire Devouring Flame. As long as Luo Zu needed it, he had to keep Chu Xuan alive. But demonic cultivators often had indirect control methods. Did this old demon not?

As if reading his thoughts, Luo Zu bit his finger, drawing an obscure rune in the air. Before Chu Xuan could react, Luo Zu slapped it onto his arm. A sharp pain surged, as if something had been implanted. Looking down, Chu Xuan saw a blood-red rune radiating strange energy. His spiritual qi surged, far stronger than before.

Luo Zu said gravely, "This rune won't harm you—it'll even enhance your spiritual qi. But if you disobey me, it'll seal it instead. Help me with this task, and I'll let you go. I, Luo Zu, always keep my word."

Chu Xuan nodded. "Fine, it's a deal! No takebacks!"

This old demon was undoubtedly a top-tier fiend. Chu Xuan didn't believe his talk of keeping promises. Even a heart demon oath could likely be circumvented by someone like him. But with no better options, Chu Xuan agreed for now.

"What do you need me to do?" he asked.

Luo Zu's expression turned serious. "Help me soften the Fallen Dragon's Husk for cutting."

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Fallen Dragon's Husk? What's that?" It sounded like dragon hide, but what was a Fallen Dragon? He'd never heard of it.

Luo Zu gave a strange laugh. "The less you know about it, the better. It's a poison that ensnares the mind, trapping those who learn too much. You'd never escape its pull."

Chu Xuan frowned. "Why me?"

Luo Zu replied casually, "Your spiritual flame—Netherfire Devouring Flame, right? It's hot enough to help me soften the Fallen Dragon's Husk. I'll take you to Fallen Dragon Valley. Your only job is to focus on softening the husk. I'll handle the three Deity Transformation brats."

Chu Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Three Deity Transformation brats? The Starshatter Sea had only two Deity Transformation cultivators—Purple Star True Monarch and Seven Kills True Monarch. Was there a third now?

Luo Zu waved dismissively. "Don't worry. With me here, no Deity Transformation cultivator can touch you. Do this for me, and when it's done, I'll ensure your safety."

Chu Xuan nodded. "Alright, I agree."

Luo Zu gestured. "Follow me."

Chu Xuan was about to take flight when Luo Zu unceremoniously tucked him under his arm. With a single step, Luo Zu glided a thousand zhang forward. In moments, they arrived at the site of the towering black light pillar.

Standing firm, Chu Xuan saw a barren island ahead, dominated by a black gate. Twelve dim runes orbited it, only three still faintly glowing. At that moment, a Nascent Soul cultivator strode toward the gate, holding a token. As he entered, the Black Dragon Token conjured a protective shield around him, and another rune faded.

Chu Xuan's expression remained calm, but his mind churned. So, the Black Dragon Token was meant for this place. Scanning the surroundings, he noted the wary gazes of numerous cultivators, particularly the four leading figures from Hidden Bone Hall, Heavenly Martial Pavilion, and Soul-Locking Manor. The leader, a late-stage Deity Transformation cultivator, exuded unmatched authority.

"Who are you?" Sima Yi asked, frowning at Luo Zu.

Instead of answering, Luo Zu countered, "Have you gathered all twelve tokens?"

Zheng Kejin, Jiang Yuan, and the others were stunned. Who was this man, so familiar with the black gate? Though they couldn't discern his cultivation, they sensed a terrifying power within him.

After a brief silence, Zheng Kejin said gravely, "Two tokens remain. One is being pursued, but the last is still unaccounted for."

Luo Zu frowned. "Two still missing? Too slow."

At that moment, three powerful auras descended—a child, a woman, and a man in purple. The child spoke sharply, "Luo Zu, we've found you!"

The purple-robed man smiled. "Senior Luo Zu, you've been hiding across the Starshatter Sea. It took us quite the effort to track you."

The woman looked confused, as if unaware of the situation.

Luo Zu's expression shifted. He had clashed with these three Deity Transformation cultivators before. Though he'd regained some strength, he was far from his peak. He could overpower one Deity Transformation cultivator in a burst but would be left weakened. These three, while not the strongest, were difficult to kill—especially the child and woman, who wielded the potent Solar Golden Wheel Divine Light. A prolonged fight would put him at a disadvantage.

Luo Zu sent a voice transmission to Chu Xuan. "Kid, without a token, entering the Fallen Dragon Gate means instant death. But with my protection, you can pass through unharmed. When I block their first wave of attacks, we'll go in together. Stay put inside—it's perilous. Wander off, and even I can't save you."

Chu Xuan nodded. "Very well, Senior's words are wise."

No sooner had he spoken than he pulled out the Black Dragon Token, stomped the ground, and shot into the black gate like an arrow. In a blink, he was gone.

Chapter 540: Could There Be a Dragon Here?

Chu Xuan's sudden dash into the black gate left Luo Zu stunned. What? That kid has a Fallen Dragon Token too? Where did he get it? He should have sensed anyone carrying such a token. Trembling with rage, he muttered, "You little… you little…" If you had a token, why didn't you say so? We could've gone in together! Now I'm stuck out here alone—what's this nonsense?

Xue Ziyi, observing the scene, seemed deep in thought. Seven Kills barked coldly, "Attack! Trap him together! Unrelated parties, scatter!"

Zheng Kejin and the others felt their hair stand on end, retreating swiftly. They recognized Seven Kills True Monarch and Purple Star True Monarch. For this old demon to draw the attention of the Starshatter Sea's two great Deity Transformation cultivators, he must be a Deity Transformation master himself. Their battle was no place for others to linger—best to flee as far as possible before the fight erupted.

Luo Zu took a deep breath, sneering, "Just the three of you? Wishful thinking!" With a low roar, his robes billowed without wind. Torrential yin qi surged, forming countless grotesque skull heads around him. "Ten Thousand Demons Devouring Heart Technique!" he bellowed. The skulls charged at the trio, overwhelming like a million devils blanketing the sky.

Xue Ziyi summoned a circular disc that expanded into a yin-yang fish pattern, one black, one white, spinning rapidly to form a massive protective shield. Seven Kills and Purple Star swiftly formed hand seals, radiant light bursting from them like miniature suns, illuminating the surroundings as if it were daylight. Yin evils and malevolent entities had nowhere to hide under the Solar Golden Wheel Divine Light.

The cultivators watching from afar were awestruck. Jiang Yuan sighed, "I'd heard of the Solar Golden Wheel Divine Light's terror, but seeing it firsthand reveals its true might."

Chen Jin said gravely, "Three Deity Transformation True Monarchs against one—that old demon's strength must be fearsome."

Zheng Kejin sneered, "Four Deity Transformation masters fighting here might just be our opportunity." Chen Jin and Sima Yi raised their eyebrows, shocked by Zheng Kejin's audacity. No wonder he was Hidden Bone Hall's Great Hall Master.

Zheng Kejin sent a voice transmission to Jiang Yuan. "Only one token remains. We must secure it quickly to enter the gate."

Jiang Yuan nodded. "Rest assured, the last token's whereabouts are known—it's with a Three Corpses Hall cultivator."

Zheng Kejin nodded. "The three Three Corpses Hall masters haven't been pulled into the black light, so we needn't worry too much. Kill the holder and take the token."

"Agreed," Jiang Yuan replied.

...

Elsewhere.

“What a strange place…”

Chu Xuan gazed at the gray mist around him, a deep sense of unease rising within. After stepping through the black light gate, he had arrived here. According to Luo Zu, this was Fallen Dragon Valley.

At first glance, it resembled a valley. But the surrounding hills bore no grass or trees, only jagged stones, utterly lifeless. Thick fog blanketed everything. His spiritual sense was suppressed here, barely functioning at ten percent. Yet, his spiritual energy and blood vitality remained unaffected. His full strength was still intact.

“But why do I feel like unseen eyes are watching me from everywhere?”

Chu Xuan scanned his surroundings, lost in thought.

Chu Xuan had planned to rush through the "Fallen Dragon Gate" while Luo Zu was entangled with the three Nascent Soul True Masters, slipping into Blue Star at the first opportunity. That way, everything would be perfect. He could avoid Luo Zu and steer clear of the dangers within Fallen Dragon Valley.

But now, he had to abandon that idea. He trusted his instincts. Something was deeply wrong with Fallen Dragon Valley. Someone—or something—might be watching from the shadows. Every move he made could be seen by an unseen entity.

If he vanished suddenly, it would surely raise suspicion. That would risk exposing his greatest secret: the ability to traverse worlds via the Myriad Realm Mirror. For caution’s sake, it was best to act like an ordinary cultivator.

“Fallen Dragon Valley… Fallen Dragon Remains… Could there really be a dragon here?”

Chu Xuan released his Light Spirit Moths to scout the surroundings while moving forward cautiously, lost in thought.

“Since the token is the key to entering Fallen Dragon Valley, there should only be eleven people inside, right?”

Chu Xuan pondered as he advanced. Thanks to the Light Spirit Moths, he wasn’t completely blind; they revealed what lay hidden in the fog.

After a short walk, Chu Xuan’s moths detected something unusual. On the flat ground ahead lay several corpses. At first glance, they seemed like mere remains. But their forms were identical to the corpse demons Chu Xuan had seen before!

“Corpse demons here too? And their auras seem strong!”

Chu Xuan’s heart jolted. Could the corpse demons that appeared in Shattered Star Sea have their lair in Fallen Dragon Valley? It seemed plausible.

Not wanting to disturb them, Chu Xuan detoured widely. After walking further, he was thrilled to discover a patch of Soul-Luring Flowers! These flowers, rare in the outside world, grew in abundance here. Each one was exceptionally robust, with long years of growth.

After ensuring no danger nearby, Chu Xuan harvested them all. Continuing, he found even more treasures. Deity Transformation herbs, essence-nourishing herbs—rare treasures outside were commonplace here!

Chu Xuan grinned ear to ear, collecting every spiritual item he found. But he also encountered more corpse demons. They were piled high, forming a small mountain. Though they slumbered now, the slightest noise would awaken them, tearing any living thing to shreds!

Chu Xuan moved to avoid them.

Suddenly, a joyful voice echoed through the fog ahead.

“A mid-grade spiritual artifact! Heaven’s blessing me!”

The voice stirred the dormant corpse demons, rousing them from their slumber. Chu Xuan frowned deeply, scanned his surroundings, and slipped into a natural cave nearby. Clearly, the voice belonged to a cultivator who had entered Fallen Dragon Valley earlier. This person must have been lucky, avoiding corpse demons until now, oblivious to the valley’s dangers. Their carelessness nearly dragged Chu Xuan into trouble.

Sure enough, moments after he entered the cave, roars of corpse demons erupted outside. Then came the cultivator’s panicked cries. It ended with a scream cut short. Soon, silence returned.

After a while, Chu Xuan emerged from the cave. The corpse demons had dispersed, leaving only bloodied remains, a storage bag, and a Black Dragon Token.

“Hm? The Black Dragon Token is glowing, like it’s guiding me somewhere.”

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow.