Chapter 2027: Arriving Again at the Endless Abyss
After arranging everything, Zhang Ruochen set off alone for the Sword Grave.
This time, he was only going to retrieve the Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman and would soon return to the Blood God Sect, so there was no need for the others to accompany him on this trip.
Before departing, Zhang Ruochen had already confirmed with Shi Mingyuan that the Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman had been successfully refined.
It had to be said, Shi Mingyuan's mastery of the Rune Path was truly terrifying. Although he had not yet advanced to become a Spiritual Power Great Saint, he already possessed the ability to refine a Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman.
After the previous battle, the Undying Blood Clan had suffered heavy losses. Although they were still keeping an eye on the Sword Grave, they did not dare to act rashly.
Through a special route, Zhang Ruochen entered the territory of the Zhenyu Ancient Clan with extreme secrecy, without attracting anyone's attention.
As soon as he passed through the Medieval Divine Patterns, the True Wonder Little Daoist flashed out from somewhere unknown.
"True Wonder, Zhang Ruochen, you've been stealing the spotlight lately. If I had known, I would have left with you. It's a pity I stayed here doing hard labor, missing out on all the excitement." The True Wonder Little Daoist said with great regret.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head and said, "Stealing the spotlight? I was fighting for my life. I don't actually want this kind of spotlight at all. Also, don't pretend to be pitiful in front of me. You're not doing hard labor for nothing. The Zhenyu Ancient Clan gave you the 'Star Chart' as compensation."
"By the way, you've been studying the 'Star Chart' for so long. Has your Formation Path attainment reached the Earth Master level?"
The True Wonder Little Daoist chuckled, brimming with pride, "Do you even need to ask? I'm much more reliable than that owl. Its Formation Path attainment can't compare to mine at all."
Zhang Ruochen rubbed his nose and said, "That owl seems to have already become a Formation Earth Master."
"Impressive, but even if it has become a Formation Earth Master, I'm definitely still stronger than it." The True Wonder Little Daoist pouted.
From the very beginning, the True Wonder Little Daoist and Xiao Hei had never gotten along. Whenever they were together, they would always end up bickering, making quite a scene.
Zhang Ruochen smiled faintly and said, "You'd better continue repairing the Medieval Divine Patterns. Otherwise, the Shen family might take back the 'Star Chart.'"
"Hurry up and leave. Don't interfere with my important work." The True Wonder Little Daoist glared.
With the 'Star Chart' to study, the True Wonder Little Daoist was full of enthusiasm for repairing the Medieval Divine Patterns.
For it, there was no better place than the Sword Grave to comprehend the mysteries of formations.
After all, not just any place had so many profound Medieval Divine Patterns.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head lightly, then headed straight into the depths of the Zhenyu Ancient Clan.
As soon as he arrived at the Sword Tomb Palace, Zhang Ruochen saw Shi Ren waiting outside to greet him.
"Brother Zhang, it's been a while. You look even more impressive than before." Shi Ren smiled and walked over.
Zhang Ruochen also smiled and said, "You, the young clan leader, are living the good life. How are Uncle Shi and the old master?"
"They're both doing well. Brother Zhang, I'm sorry. When the Sacred Bright City and the Peacock Manor were attacked by the Heavenly Realm Faction earlier, our Zhenyu Ancient Clan couldn't come to your aid."
"Alas, the truth is, the Zhenyu Ancient Clan is too weak, and we had to guard against sneak attacks from the Undying Blood Clan. At that time, Grandfather was in the critical stage of refining the Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman, so we didn't dare to disturb him."
Shi Ren's eyes were filled with apology, and he felt very guilty.
Back then, Zhang Ruochen had helped the Zhenyu Ancient Clan immensely. Without him, the clan might no longer exist.
Yet when Zhang Ruochen needed help, they had done nothing, which weighed heavily on their consciences.
Zhang Ruochen patted Shi Ren on the shoulder and shook his head gently, "I understand the situation of the Zhenyu Ancient Clan better than anyone. You bear an important mission. If the Sword Grave were lost because of me, I would become a sinner for all eternity."
"Alright, we're brothers. Don't say such things. I have some fine wine here. Let's have a few drinks later."
Hearing this, a smile immediately appeared on Shi Ren's face. He knew what kind of person Zhang Ruochen was, so he naturally wouldn't be overly sentimental.
"Let's go. First, see Grandfather." Shi Ren said.
Zhang Ruochen nodded slightly and entered the Sword Tomb Palace together with Shi Ren.
Before long, Zhang Ruochen met Shi Mingyuan.
Compared to when he had left, Shi Mingyuan's condition had changed dramatically. His complexion was now very rosy, clearly having fully recovered.
"Greetings, Old Clan Leader."
Zhang Ruochen stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
Shi Mingyuan showed a kind smile and said gently, "No need for formalities. What you want is in this box."
Zhang Ruochen's gaze shifted, locking onto the wooden brocade box in front of Shi Mingyuan.
He stepped forward and opened the wooden brocade box.
Inside the box lay a shimmering talisman paper made from divine bone, inscribed with extremely complex and intricate rune patterns. Just one glance at it would make one feel dizzy.
The Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman, according to the records in the 'Blood Clan Secret Scroll,' could be used to suppress a Blood Emperor of the Undying Blood Clan, possessing terrifying and unimaginable power.
If used against an Undying Blood Clan member below the Great Saint level, even a top-tier expert like Blood Butcher Divine Son would find it difficult to resist.
If the Zhenyu Ancient Clan had possessed such a Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman when the Undying Blood Clan launched their massive attack on the Sword Grave, those Undying Blood Clan members probably wouldn't have dared to act rashly.
"I'm ashamed. I gave it my all, but I only barely managed to refine this one Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman." Shi Mingyuan sighed regretfully.
Zhang Ruochen closed the brocade box again, turned to look at Shi Mingyuan, and said, "You've worked hard, Old Clan Leader. I am already extremely grateful that you were able to refine one Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman."
"By the way, I've collected quite a bit of sacred bone and divine blood. With your mastery of the Rune Path, Old Clan Leader, you should be able to refine a large number of Saint-level and Saint King-level Blood-Suppressing Talismans."
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen took out a space ring and handed it to Shi Mingyuan.
Since Shi Mingyuan had helped him so much, Zhang Ruochen wouldn't come empty-handed to take the Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman. He had already prepared many gifts of thanks.
As the saying goes, good steel should be used on the blade. The many sacred bones and sacred blood he had collected would undoubtedly be put to the best use in Shi Mingyuan's hands.
"Thank you very much, Sword Holder." Shi Mingyuan did not refuse and accepted it very straightforwardly.
The Sword Grave had always been coveted by the Undying Blood Clan. The things Zhang Ruochen had given him were of extraordinary significance.
After casually chatting with Shi Mingyuan for a while, Zhang Ruochen and Shi Ren left Shi Mingyuan's residence and went to Shi Ren's place.
Zhang Ruochen took out the Heart-Burning Drunk brewed by the Madman Wine. Such fine wine was meant to be shared with a good brother.
"This is truly excellent wine. It even managed to increase my spiritual power." After drinking a cup of Heart-Burning Drunk, Shi Ren couldn't help but marvel.
Zhang Ruochen also drank a cup. The effect of Heart-Burning Drunk on him was actually not that great anymore, but he really enjoyed its taste.
It was a pity that the brewing cost of Heart-Burning Drunk was too high; otherwise, he would have asked the Madman Wine for more.
Zhang Ruochen smiled and said, "How have you been lately? Have you learned anything from the Old Clan Leader?"
"I've been very fulfilled. Grandfather has taught me a lot about the Rune Path, but I'm still far from fully comprehending it." Shi Ren said.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Earlier, at the Immortal Machine Mountain, I retrieved the severed trunk of the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree. Now, the new sapling of the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree is absorbing the divine power and rules contained within the trunk. If you can cultivate alongside the new sapling, you will surely benefit greatly."
"Is that possible?" Shi Ren's face lit up with anticipation.
Zhang Ruochen nodded, "Of course. Besides retrieving the Great Saint-level Blood-Suppressing Talisman, another important reason for my visit to the Zhenyu Ancient Clan is to take you back into the Qiankun Realm. Even the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree sapling thinks you have extremely high talent and will surely achieve great things. The sooner you become strong, the more you can help Uncle Shi and the Old Clan Leader share some of the pressure."
The new sapling of the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree and the original trunk were of the same origin, so they could naturally merge with each other.
Once the merger was complete, even if the new sapling couldn't grow to its former level, it wouldn't be far off.
By then, the new sapling would truly be able to support the Qiankun Realm, giving it the conditions to become a god realm.
Undoubtedly, as the new sapling merged with the trunk, the cultivation conditions in the Qiankun Realm would only get better, no less than the revived Kunlun Realm. With a bit more time, a large number of powerful experts would surely emerge from within the Qiankun Realm.
"Brother Zhang, thank you." Shi Ren said with great sincerity.
Since they had known each other, Zhang Ruochen had helped him far too much. He had always kept this friendship in his heart. If one day Zhang Ruochen needed him, whether it meant walking through fire or wading through water, he would not hesitate for a moment.
Zhang Ruochen smiled and said, "I told you, we're brothers. Don't say such things. Come on, let's keep drinking. It's rare to have a chance to relax."
"Alright, I'll drink with you." Shi Ren nodded with a smile.
Having a true friend in life, Shi Ren had no more regrets.
The two of them drank and chatted about various interesting things, feeling exceptionally relaxed.
They only stopped when Shi Ren was slightly tipsy.
After bidding farewell to Shi Mingyuan and Shi Qiankun, Shi Ren entered the Qiankun Realm. He cherished this opportunity greatly.
Zhang Ruochen did not stay long in the Zhenyu Ancient Clan either. After confirming that everything was fine here, he took his leave.
With the True Wonder Little Daoist continuously repairing the Medieval Divine Patterns and Shi Mingyuan holding the fort, even if the Undying Blood Clan remained relentless, it would be very difficult for them to break into the Sword Grave.
In an extremely short time, Zhang Ruochen returned to the Blood God Sect.
But as soon as he arrived, he sensed something was wrong.
"Zhang Ruochen, we're in big trouble!"
Xiao Hei appeared, his eyes filled with gravity.
Zhang Ruochen quickly asked, "What happened?"
"The moment you left, that old fellow Yan Liren showed up and forcibly took Lingxi away!" Xiao Hei said in a deep voice.
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's eyes narrowed, and his brows furrowed deeply. "The Supreme Elder appeared and took Lingxi away?"
This was something he had never anticipated.
"It seems that the one beneath the Endless Abyss is really eager for me to go see her." As his thoughts turned, Zhang Ruochen suddenly understood.
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen turned his gaze toward the direction of the Endless Abyss.
Just then, Kong Lanyou and the others arrived from the mountain path and gathered around Zhang Ruochen.
"Little Junior Brother, I'm sorry. We failed to protect your wife." Bao Lie said with a look of self-blame.
Jin Yu said, "That old fellow is too powerful. He caught us off guard and took her away. By the time we tried to pursue him, he had already taken her into the Endless Abyss."
Zhang Ruochen shook his head, "This is not your fault. The former Tenth Emperor is not so easy to deal with. I understand the intentions of the one beneath the Endless Abyss. Taking Lingxi away is just to force me to go quickly. So be it, I will grant her wish."
"Zhang Ruochen, what are you planning to do?" Xiao Hei quickly asked.
Zhang Ruochen's tone turned icy, "I'm going to the Endless Abyss."
"Don't be impulsive. The Endless Abyss is no good place. Even though your strength is not weak now, going to the second gradient of the Endless Abyss is still extremely dangerous." Xiao Hei immediately tried to dissuade him.
Zhang Ruochen took a deep breath and said, "No matter how dangerous it is, I have to go. First it was Chi Kunlun, now it's Lingxi. If I don't go to the Endless Abyss, I don't know who that person will target next among those close to me. Besides, there are many mysteries in my heart that can only be answered in the Endless Abyss."
The Endless Abyss was a place he had to visit sooner or later. Under these circumstances, he had no choice.
He wanted to see what exactly the one beneath the Endless Abyss wanted.
"Cousin, I'll go with you."
Kong Lanyou immediately said.
"And us."
Bao Lie and the other two also spoke up.
Hanxue quickly said, "Master, I want to go too."
Zhang Ruochen's expression turned serious, "I don't know what the outcome of this trip to the Endless Abyss will be, so I don't want anyone to come with me."
"Besides, the Black Demon Realm suffered a great loss before and will surely not let things go. The Blood God Sect still needs strong experts to hold the fort. I hope that during my time in the Endless Abyss, you can help me protect the Blood God Sect."
"No way. The Endless Abyss is too dangerous. We can't let you take the risk alone." Bao Lie shook his head like a rattle-drum.
Zhang Ruochen said earnestly, "Fifth Senior Brother, I am no longer the little junior brother who needed your protection. There are some things I must face on my own, or I will never truly grow up."
Seeing the determination in Zhang Ruochen's eyes, Bao Lie and the others knew that no matter what they said, they could not change his decision.
"Alright, little junior brother, take care of yourself. Promise us you'll come back safe and sound. With us here, you don't have to worry about the Blood God Sect." Bao Lie patted Zhang Ruochen on the shoulder.
Zhang Ruochen said nothing, only nodded slightly. Then he shot up into the sky, flew into the Juegu Snow Mountain, and headed for the Endless Abyss, unwilling to waste a single moment.
He only hoped that Mu Lingxi and Chi Kunlun would be unharmed. Otherwise, no matter who was beneath the Endless Abyss, Zhang Ruochen would never let them off easily.
In no time at all, Zhang Ruochen appeared near the Endless Abyss.
Standing at the edge of the Endless Abyss, he stared into it. Below was pitch black and unfathomably deep, as if it could devour everything.
The first time Zhang Ruochen had come to the Endless Abyss, it was to save Shengshu Cainü. Back then, he was still too weak and didn't know the specifics of what lay beneath. He had no choice but to jump down from above.
Later, Zhang Ruochen had returned from the gates of death and coincidentally ended up at the first gradient of the Endless Abyss, where he encountered the sacred soul doppelganger of the former Blood God Sect leader. He nearly lost his life and was only saved by the timely appearance of Supreme Elder Yan Liren.
It was from that moment that Zhang Ruochen had taken on the mission of protecting the Blood God Sect.
The first two times, Zhang Ruochen had only gone to the first gradient of the Endless Abyss. He wondered what the second gradient looked like and what dangers it held.
Suddenly, Zhang Ruochen shook his head helplessly and said, "Lanyou, you really did follow me after all."
As soon as he spoke, Kong Lanyou's figure appeared out of thin air. "Cousin, you should know that you can't stop me."
"You... I really can't do anything with you." Zhang Ruochen felt very helpless.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you've finally arrived!"
Just then, a soft, seductive voice suddenly came from the darkness.
Zhang Ruochen turned his head and looked into the dark abyss.
A massive creature slowly emerged from the darkness. It was a blood beast with wings, exuding an extremely powerful aura, comparable to a Nine-Step Saint King.
On the back of this blood beast stood a graceful figure. Zhang Ruochen was not unfamiliar with her at all. She was the former wife of the Blood God Sect leader, Qiu Yichi, also known as the infamous Heart Demon.
Zhang Ruochen snorted coldly, "Qiu Yichi, you forcibly took the people close to me and still dare to appear before me? Do you really think I wouldn't dare to kill you?"
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, why are you so angry? I was just following orders. I only invited them down as guests. I haven't harmed them. Once you come down with me, you'll see them immediately." Qiu Yichi said calmly.
"Following orders? Whose orders? Who is your master?" Zhang Ruochen demanded coldly.
Qiu Yichi said, "Your Highness already knows in your heart. Why ask further? Some truths must eventually be faced. Come up!"
"You want me to ride the same blood beast as you? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?" Zhang Ruochen's eyes glinted with cold light.
Qiu Yichi smiled charmingly, "Of course I'm afraid, so I've prepared another blood beast for you, Your Highness. Please!"
As Qiu Yichi's words fell, another massive creature slowly emerged from the darkness, exuding an aura no weaker than the one beneath Qiu Yichi, and perhaps even stronger.
Zhang Ruochen glanced at this blood beast indifferently, then moved and landed on its back. Kong Lanyou followed Zhang Ruochen's steps without a word.
Since they had already come to the Endless Abyss, there was no reason to retreat.
Qiu Yichi glanced at Kong Lanyou, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes, but she said nothing. She was only responsible for inviting Zhang Ruochen into the Endless Abyss. Whether others accompanied him was not her concern.
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(Chapter End)