Chapter 140: Chapter 120: The Land as a Chessboard, the Ancient Demon Tribulation Begins in the North

The Huai River surged eastward, its waves churning and crashing!

The Exquisite Magic Tower trembled in the great void. Its massive silhouette rose higher and higher, then with a thunderous ROAR, it shot straight into the Qingming!

Thousands of zhang above the ground, in the Gangfeng Layer, the biting atmosphere, sharp as metal, rushed in like a tide. It slapped against layers of clear light, creating ripples that quickly vanished into nothingness.

Lou Zhenxiao, his face stern and his sharp eyebrows angled upwards, sat at the very top, seemingly lost in thought with his eyes downcast.

Behind him, illusory colors swirled and divine light floated, coalescing into a Three-Color Mirror Wheel that respectively reflected three beams of Profound Light: Xin Metal, Kui Water, and Ding Fire.

’Xuan Chanzi’s ’Metal Life’ is already complete,’ he thought. ’Sword Cultivators don’t seek to perfect all Five Elements. The Zhongyi Sect’s Shao Yang Li Yuan Xianchen Scripture is even more specialized, focusing on cultivating ’Metal Life’ to its peak in order to realize the Dao Fruit of[Sword Edge Gold].’

’However, he has only reached Perfection in ’Xin Metal’; his ’Geng Metal’ still lacks a bit of refinement. That’s why he must constantly face Killing Tribulations to polish his ’Sword Heart’ and reach a state of clarity.’

Lou Zhenxiao’s thoughts drifted. Compared to Xuan Chanzi, he was walking a different, even more difficult path.

Gathering the Five Elements, perfecting his Life Essence!

Even with the Taifu Sect backing him and a constant supply of all kinds of Spiritual Resources, every step was still fraught with difficulty.

This was because the Cultivation of the Five Elements Life Essence was exceedingly difficult. The Metal Element alone was divided into the two lineages of "Xin Metal" and "Geng Metal," which were the Yin and Yang counterparts of each other.

To achieve complete Perfection, one had to study a First-Grade Technique from the very beginning of Qi Cultivation, continue until the Tenth Layer to condense a superior-quality Innate Qi, and then nurture Profound Light to transform it into Magical Power.

In other words, accumulating Cultivation, improving Merit, and Refining and Cultivating Skills all had to advance in unison, without neglecting any single aspect.

Only then would it be possible to reach the peak stage and perfect a single Life Essence.

Lou Zhenxiao reflected that in terms of aptitude, innate talent, and tutelage, he was already among the most outstanding Cultivators in the Nanzhan Continent.

Yet when faced with the long road to "Gathering the Five Elements and perfecting his Life Essence," he would occasionally feel a trace of powerlessness, a distracting inner demon.

’That True Monarch Yu, how on earth did he do it? How did he not only gather all Five Elements but also realize the Five Great Dao Fruits and achieve the Supreme Golden Position?’

Every time he thought of this, Lou Zhenxiao couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and admiration.

The very reason he dared to proclaim he would cultivate five Life Essences and gather the Five Elements was that True Monarch Yu had already proven it to be a path of limitless breadth, a heavenly road leading directly to the rank of Daoist Monarch.

This Great True Monarch, who had once taken first place at the Dan Yuan Dharma Assembly, had followed a path that, looking back across ten thousand years, could be described as unprecedented and unlikely to ever be replicated.

He had successfully advanced to the rank of True Monarch by realizing the Five Great Dao Fruits: [Covered Lamp Fire], [Sword Edge Gold], [Jianxia Shui], [Cypress Wood], and [Roof Earth].

The perfection of his Merit and the depth of his Cultivation were simply unmatched among the Four Great Daoist Lineages of the Yanfu Vast Land; he could absolutely be ranked among the top ten!

It was said that at the moment his grotto-heaven ascended into the great void,

the[Tai Yang], which had been manifest in the world for three thousand years, was actually shaken!

’Thankfully, I only want to cultivate five Life Essences. I’m not arrogant enough to pursue the Five Great Dao Fruits.’

Lou Zhenxiao shook his head slightly. The arts of the [Five Elements] were revered and elevated by all the Cultivators of the Yanfu Vast Land, which had led to the condensation of thirty Dao Fruits that hung high above the great void.

Anyone who cultivated a certain path within the arts of the [Five Elements] to Perfection could sense the corresponding Dao Fruit and receive its favor and attention.

This was also known as Cultivating One’s Life, a way to win an opportunity to attain a new rank.

’I’m using ’Metal Life’ as my foundation, ’Water Life’ for nourishment, and ’Fire Life’ for forging. This should increase my chances of claiming the[Sea Gold]Dao Fruit by an additional twenty percent.’

A glint flashed in Lou Zhenxiao’s eyes. Ding Zhenzi, the one put forth by the Innate Sect, also planned to challenge for this very Dao Fruit.

A while ago, Ji Fuyao’s tour of the sun caused the Spiritual Aura of the Three Peaks and Four Waters to change abruptly, transforming it into the [Upper Flame Gold Forging Appearance], which greatly benefits the Metal and Fire Elements.

It had to be said that Xuan Chanzi, the Fate Shuzi who carried the destiny of the Zhongyi Sect, truly possessed "heaven’s timing."

Even the heavens themselves were helping him, ensuring that his Cultivation for the next ten years would be completely unobstructed.

The land was now filled with accessible Spiritual Energy, Spiritual Resources, and Spiritual Materials.

’Xuan Chanzi is a pawn placed by True Monarch Tao of the Taifu Sect. Now the Innate Sect wants to come and get a piece of the pie, pushing their ’Ding Zhenzi’ forward.’

’No wonder the Killing Tribulation is spreading across the north and south, with dark clouds rolling in.’

Lou Zhenxiao looked down and saw that the Three Peaks and Four Waters, which crisscrossed the landscape, were already covered by a faint, dark Qi.

It began at Beimang Ridge, crossed over Dangyin Ridge, and was moving toward the Huai River.

He estimated that in another two or three years, it would spread throughout the entire north and south.

’The methods of a True Monarch are truly inconceivable. Every piece is placed without a trace, secretly aligning with the flow of the Great Dao of fortune and fate.’

Lou Zhenxiao couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. The Sect Leader had ordered him to patrol the north and south and drive Xuan Chanzi to Longhua Mountain to face his destiny.

It was like pouring a ladle of water into a wok of boiling oil, stirring up the stagnant atmosphere of Beimang Ridge and causing a storm to brew.

Next, never mind Dangyin Ridge and Zhongxiao Ridge; even the Innate Sect, located by the "Hong Shui," would probably be unable to sit still.

’They use a Fate Shuzi to disrupt the flow of destiny, uprooting decadent Dharma Lineages and pruning the local clans that control the regions.’

’This breaks the stalemate in the north and south, letting new life flourish and preventing the rise of powerful, entrenched Gate Valve clans like those in the Immortal Dao, who become too big to control.’

Lou Zhenxiao was lost in thought. Even for someone like him, who had achieved Foundation Establishment and Dao Entry, trying to guess the True Monarchs’ strategy from an outsider’s perspective, he couldn’t claim to fully grasp its profound meaning.

...

...

Higher still in the Gangfeng Layer lay the space Beyond the Qingming.

Two majestic Qi Mechanisms, their forms chaotic, without light or image, confronted one another.

To the south was a gray-robed Daoist. Auspicious clouds hovered above his head, from which Daoist energy descended. He was indistinct and hazy, flickering in and out of existence.

To the north was an old woman with a kind face and gentle eyes. Her hair was coiled in a bun on top of her head with the rest hanging halfway down her back, and she wore worn-out clothes and leaned on a staff.

The gray-robed Daoist was the first to offer a salute.

"So it is the ’Nine Spirits Brahmanic Daoist Monarch.’ This humble Daoist had thought that scoundrel Wei Guang would be the one to come."

The old woman’s smile was gentle.

"Daoist Brother Wei has been placed under a prohibition, forbidden from interfering in the affairs of the Nanzhan Continent. Therefore, this old woman has come instead."

The gray-robed Daoist nodded.

"That scoundrel Wei Guang is reckless and unrestrained. He revealed his hand in front of that Immortal Dao Emperor. I’m afraid it won’t be long before his [Primordial Magnetism] technique is suppressed by the [Tai Yang], needlessly damaging the fortune of our Dao."

The old woman spoke as if they were just having a casual chat, her expression warm and kind.

"Daoist Brother Wei has always been hot-tempered; how could he allow a junior to show off his might? Besides, that Immortal Dao Emperor has indeed gone too far. With the [Tai Yang] manifest for five thousand years, the aura of tyranny and domination it has accumulated is too thick, and it has begun to affect his conduct."

The gray-robed Daoist had no intention of discussing Ji Fuyao further and returned to the main topic.

"This humble Daoist observes that the ’Innate Sect’ intends to enter the fray, putting forward Ding Zhenzi, who wishes to cultivate the [Sea Gold] Dao Fruit, to challenge the others. What are your thoughts, my fellow Daoist?"

The old woman just shook her head.

"Before Grandmaster Taiwei left for the outer cosmos, he already used his Great Magical Power to calculate the heavenly numbers."

"In the Nanzhan Continent, there will certainly be someone who can shake the [Tai Yang], suppress Ji Fuyao, and break the prophecy of the Immortal Dao’s ten-thousand-year prosperity."

"It was the Immortal Dao’s Grandmaster who acted like a rogue. It was clearly agreed that they would all ascend beyond the cosmos together to open up a new heaven for Yanfu."

"But in the end, right before leaving, he just had to divine a saying and carve down a prophecy, something about the ’Immortal Dao prospering for ten thousand years.’"

A mocking expression appeared on the gray-robed Daoist’s face as he explained. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"If the Immortal Dao’s Grandmaster was reasonable, how could the Demon Dao have ever been established?"

"Grandmaster Taiwei gave him a taste of his own medicine, likewise divining the heavenly numbers and setting down the phrase, ’The Ancient Demon Tribulation begins in the north.’"

"The Immortal Dao misinterpreted it, thinking ’north’ meant the ’Beiju Continent.’ They launched a massive campaign of prohibitions and edicts, clarifying the Three and rectifying the Five, intending to rid the world of all calamity-bringing Demons. This forced the Dragon Monarch into a corner, and he had to beg the Buddha Elder to interpret the prophecy. The Buddha Elder clarified that ’north’ was a general term referring to the Nanzhan Continent, and only then was the conflict averted."

The old woman smiled. Grandmaster Taiwei always loved to play tricks. With a simple scheme, he’d sent the Immortal Dao spinning in circles and made them fight a pointless battle with the Demon Dao of the Beiju Continent.

"Using north to point south, they lost one-tenth of the Dongsheng Continent’s fortune. If not for the [Tai Yang]’s five-thousand-year manifestation making up for it, the Immortal Dao might not have prospered at all."

The old woman looked down, and the mountains and rivers, with their burgeoning fortune, were as clear and distinct as the lines on her palm.

"Daoist Brother, you ask for my opinion. This old woman humbly believes we should just let the juniors below handle it."

"The Zhongyi Sect wants a revival because the killing power of the [Sword Dao] is still unmatched in Yanfu. If it were combined with the Golden Position that True Monarch Yu raised up with his Five Great Dao Fruits, perhaps it could even slice through the brilliance of the [Tai Yang]."

"As for the Innate Sect putting forth Ding Zhenzi, they are simply going with the flow, gathering fortune to themselves. That’s also a valid path."

"This old woman’s meaning is, since Grandmaster Taiwei has set the stage for the Nanzhan Continent to begin the Ancient Demon Tribulation and challenge the ’ten-thousand-year prosperity,’"

"then no matter how long the [Tai Yang] intends to manifest, just let the heroes of our Demon Dao show their skills and compete to be the one who initiates the tribulation!"

The gray-robed Daoist thought for a long time, then gave a single-word reply:

"Good."

...

...

[I beg the Celestial Book, show me: after Sui Liushu’s death, will Sui Yuzhu come to seek revenge?]

[Supplemental condition: Provide only the answer, no detailed content required.]

[Deduction result: No.]

...

[I beg the Celestial Book, show me: is Sui Yuzhu currently alive?]

[Deduction result: No.]

...

[I beg the Celestial Book, show me Sui Yuzhu’s cause of death?]

[Deduction result: In Dangyin Ridge, her body met the Killing Tribulation...]

...

Back in the main hall of the Merit Supervision Institute, Jiang Yi lowered his gaze, appearing deep in thought.

On the golden paper hidden deep within his vision, there were more than a dozen densely packed inquiries.

’Elder Sui’s proud daughter actually met the Killing Tribulation one step ahead of him, dying in Dangyin Ridge...’

Jiang Yi sighed internally.

The most glorious years of Sui Liushu’s life were spent making his great name in Dangyin Ridge.

Now, his daughter Sui Yuzhu had perished in that same place. It was as if it had all been predestined, like every sip and every peck.

In a flash, the two words "Killing Tribulation" made him think of "Sword Cultivator," and the image of Xuan Chanzi suddenly popped into his head.

’Could it be related to this successor of the Zhongyi Sect?’

’And what Sect Leader Liu Huan said about great chaos brewing in Beimang Ridge?’

’Could it also have something to do with the revival of the Zhongyi Sect and the North and South Dipper Sword?’

’My perspective is too narrow; it’s truly hard to see things clearly.’

’Even with the Celestial Book in hand, it’s difficult to ask about things when I don’t have any leads.’

Jiang Yi put away his scattered thoughts and focused on sorting through the Spiritual Objects he had "liberated" from the Observing Fate Peak warehouse. Full of confidence, he said to True Master Xuanmiao:

"Cat Master, I think I’m ready to break through to the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer!"

The increasingly round True Master Xuanmiao suddenly raised a paw.

"Xiao Jiang, wait a moment! This True Master has something I’ve been meaning to tell you but never found the chance!"

Jiang Yi narrowed his eyes, a bad feeling rising in his heart.

’Going by the Cat Master’s pattern of being reliable once for every several times he messes up...’

’...whatever he’s about to say probably isn’t good news.’