Chapter 3874: Black and White Yin-Yang Fire Source
Mu Lingxi always felt that Zhang Ruochen and Feng Tian were both so stubborn, refusing to see each other, neither willing to back down—this was not a good thing.
But instinctively, she felt that what Zhang Ruochen said made sense.
Mu Lingxi sighed, "Actually, if the city body and formations of Wuchang Ghost City could hold out a little longer, the advantage would be on our side."
"Zhouqi Ghost Emperor, leading Zhuque Huowu and Hun Qi, is building a Space-Time Altar. There is considerable confidence that, through sacrifice, they can bring Fengdu Dadi back to this era." [2]
Clearly, Feng Tian had severed the heavenly secrets of Fengdu Ghost City, preventing the secret of the Space-Time Altar from leaking out. Even a Heaven-Perfecting Boundless cultivator would find it difficult to deduce.
"If that's the case..."
Zhang Ruochen felt even less urgency. He smiled calmly, extended his hand, and collected the Divine Source floating within the formation. "This is the Divine Source of the Ancient Ice Phoenix, a treasure of the Kunlun Realm. It will be of immense benefit to your cultivation. Of course, it is also the formation eye of the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Divine Formation!"
Mu Lingxi said, "This item must be very important to Master. If you give it to me, Master will surely bear a grudge."
Feng Tian had used the Nirvana Cold Fire left in the bones of the Ancient Ice Phoenix in the Kunlun Realm to complete her rebirth from death to life.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head with a smile, "No, she won't. Feng Tian is an Indestructible Infinite cultivator with lofty ambitions. How could she bear a grudge over such a small matter? Besides, you are her disciple. Giving it to you is no different from giving it to her."
Mu Lingxi took the Divine Source, which radiated cold air, and could hear the pleasant phoenix cry coming from within it. She giggled, "You gave the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation to Sister Chen, and now you're giving me the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Divine Formation because you're afraid I'll be jealous, right?"
Zhang Ruochen gently shook his head.
"I am protecting you, to keep you from harm."
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen pulled Mu Lingxi into his embrace, feeling the softness and warmth of her petite body, but his eyes gradually sharpened.
Mu Lingxi knew that the news of the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation being given to Bore had clearly been leaked by Xue Tu.
Zhang Ruochen didn't think it was a big deal. Given Mu Lingxi's personality and her sisterly relationship with Bore, jealousy was unlikely.
But Xue Tu needed a good lesson. If his mouth remained so loose, who knew how much trouble he would cause Zhang Ruochen in the future?
Mu Lingxi and Bore didn't compete.
But Wu Yue, Bai Qinger, Chi Yao, and Luo Sha were all competitive and strong-willed.
Mu Lingxi and Zhang Ruochen entered the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation together. From a distance, they saw Bore cultivating, then left hand in hand.
"Xue Tu begged me before. He talked nonsense to Master, claiming that you didn't go to Fengdu Ghost City to pay respects because you were busy repairing the formations of Wuchang Ghost City. He hopes I can persuade you to actually help repair the ghost city's formations; otherwise, Master will definitely not let him off." Mu Lingxi said with a smile.
"Tell him to repair the city body and formations of Wuchang Ghost City himself. Let's not talk about this anymore. Lingxi, why don't you stay tonight?"
As they were about to leave the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation, Zhang Ruochen suddenly stopped, staring intently into Mu Lingxi's eyes.
Mu Lingxi didn't catch his hidden meaning. "Ah? I have to go back and report. Master is waiting!"
"Alright, go ahead."
Zhang Ruochen escorted Mu Lingxi out of the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation and watched her leave.
"Ssshhh!"
The vines of the Refining Divine Flower extended from Zhang Ruochen's sleeve, wrapping around him, then condensed into the enchanting and seductive figure of Mo Yin. Her snow-white arms wrapped around his neck.
"Master, could it be that you were influenced by Gai Mie and the White Impermanence Venerable Lord in Wuchang Ghost City? Tonight, Mo Yin is willing to serve you."
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"Alright, it's a good chance to avoid him."
Zhang Ruochen smiled slightly. With his spiritual power, he constructed a palace within his Divine Realm World, then carried Mo Yin inside.
The Divine Realm World then vanished.
When Xue Tu heard the message Mu Lingxi brought, he was terrified out of his wits. He immediately rushed to the outside of the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation, first calling out "Senior Brother," then "Senior Sister-in-Law." When there was no response, he finally knelt outside the formation and began confessing his faults on his own.
White Impermanence Divine Temple.
The divine temple forged by a god who had reached the Infinite Realm was essentially a world.
The divine temple served as both a defensive fortress and an offensive war artifact. It could also store the heavenly energy and heavenly rules absorbed from the Profound Meaning, becoming a supreme treasure land for cultivation.
"God Venerable, Night Venerable Lord has arrived!"
A crane-headed white-robed ghost god came to report.
He Qing emerged from her cultivation secret realm. She was dressed in layers of gauze robes, the outermost being a wide-sleeved, open-front white robe with blue petal-shaped watermarks. A white jade belt was tightly fastened around her slender waist.
Her hair was tied up in a Daoist bun. Though she was a ghost cultivator, she appeared fresh and refined, like a Daoist fairy from the human race.
When Mingye Shenzun saw He Qing emerge, a flicker of admiration appeared in his eyes.
Today's He Qing was exceptionally radiant.
He Qing was as cold and pure as jade. "Why have you suddenly come? Is the southern city no longer defensible?"
Mingye Shenzun composed himself. "The situation in the southern city is still manageable. I came overnight because there is a matter of utmost importance that I need to discuss with you."
"What is it?" He Qing was secretly on guard.
Mingye Shenzun said, "In the coming period, a major figure will be residing at the White Impermanence Divine Temple for an extended time. You must not offend him under any circumstances. Fulfill all his requests to the best of your ability. Whatever he wants to do, you must cooperate to the fullest."
"No!"
He Qing immediately refused.
She had an appointment with the envoy sent by Huangquan Dadi and needed to go to Wuchang Ghost City to supervise Gai Mie. If another cultivator moved into the White Impermanence Divine Temple, how could she proceed with her plans?
But soon, He Qing realized her attitude was too abnormal. She had refused without even asking who the major figure was, which would surely arouse Mingye Shenzun's suspicion.
So, she quickly tried to cover it up. "The White Impermanence Divine Temple stores various secret treasures we brought from Wuchang Ghost City. If they are discovered, it will surely bring disaster."
Mingye Shenzun, who was already harboring his own secrets, didn't notice He Qing's unusual behavior. "That major figure has extremely high standards. He wouldn't even look twice at the secret treasures from Wuchang Ghost City."
He Qing seized the opportunity to ask, "Who exactly is this major figure?"
"You will know when he arrives. In short, he will be a great opportunity for us. You must not offend him."
Finally, Mingye Shenzun added softly, "Even if you have to endure some grievances, it will be worth it." [1]
When Zhang Ruochen appeared again outside the Ten Thousand Buddha Formation, Xue Tu immediately rushed up to him. "Senior Brother, save me!"
Zhang Ruochen looked around. "You seem fine. What do you need saving from?"
"Senior Brother, I was wrong. I've thought it over all night, and I understand completely. From now on, I will never cause you trouble. I will keep my mouth shut about everything, especially matters concerning the senior sisters-in-law!" Xue Tu said.
Zhang Ruochen said seriously, "If you want me to repair the city body and formations of Wuchang Ghost City, there is one way."
Xue Tu stared at him eagerly.
"Go to Fengdu Ghost City and rescue my father." Zhang Ruochen said.
Xue Tu was dumbfounded. His face fell. "Senior Brother, please don't joke. Master will kill me. You know how decisive and ruthless Master is. If I betray her, it's certain death."
"Then I can't help you. Remember the consequences before you speak next time."
Zhang Ruochen arrived at the Black Impermanence Divine Temple and met Mingye Shenzun.
"Imperial Dust, everything has been arranged."
Mingye Shenzun forced a stiff smile.
Zhang Ruochen nodded, his opinion of Mingye Shenzun greatly improved. The other party, a venerable god, had taken such a small request from him so seriously. This respect was worthy of recognition.
"God Venerable has put in the effort. When the matter is accomplished, I will surely repay you. Let's go together."
Finally hearing these words, Mingye Shenzun was overjoyed. He felt that all his efforts were worthwhile. "I won't go. If He Qing offends you, Imperial Dust, don't show any mercy. Do as you see fit."
Zhang Ruochen nodded inwardly. Those who could cultivate to the level of a god venerable were indeed clever. They understood immediately. It seemed that Mingye Shenzun had gone to the White Impermanence Divine Temple last night to investigate and had already discovered the clues. His reminder had not been in vain.
"With your words, God Venerable, I will not hold back!" Zhang Ruochen said with a smile.
For a cultivator like He Qing, who could potentially worsen the situation, Zhang Ruochen would show no mercy.
Of course, if he could use her to lure out Huangquan Dadi, he might spare her life for now.
"Are you coming with me?"
Zhang Ruochen looked at Gong Nanfeng.
Gong Nanfeng glanced at Mingye Shenzun. "I won't go. It's not far anyway. With your great divine power, if you need my divine soul, you can summon me with a wave of your hand."
After Zhang Ruochen left, Gong Nanfeng saw Xue Tu enter the temple a step behind him. Xue Tu's face was full of despair, completely unlike his former high-spirited self.
"Who would have thought that the mighty Great Slaughter War God Emperor would end up like this? Haha!" Gong Nanfeng laughed.
Xue Tu was furious. He immediately rushed over, lifted Gong Nanfeng, who was squatting on a chair, and gave him a beating.
The White Impermanence Divine Temple was even more desolate than the Black Impermanence Divine Temple. Besides He Qing, Zhang Ruochen only sensed a dozen or so auras, none of which reached the level of a Great God. There were He Qing's disciples, false god servants, and undead mounts.
This was clearly because He Qing had sent the experts away to facilitate her plans.
Zhang Ruochen didn't want to reveal his identity yet, so when he arrived at the White Impermanence Divine Temple, he transformed into the appearance of Void Heaven: a burly figure, white hair hanging down on both sides of his cheeks, and eyes as sharp as swords.
"Greetings, Void Heaven."
When He Qing saw Zhang Ruochen, she was also shocked. She hadn't expected the major figure Mingye Shenzun had mentioned to be so important.
Zhang Ruochen, imitating Void Heaven's demeanor, said arrogantly, "Mingye has already told you about my matters, hasn't he?"
Overwhelmed by Zhang Ruochen's powerful aura, He Qing dared not look up. "He only said that I should fulfill all of Void Heaven's requests, but he didn't specify what they were."
"The news of my arrival must not be leaked. If it is, I will hold you responsible. Hmph, take me to see the source of the Black and White Yin-Yang Divine Flame!"
Zhang Ruochen clasped his hands behind his back, and the sound of a sword hummed from his body.
Within the White Impermanence Divine Temple, there were many chaotic spaces filled with ghostly mist. Along the way, one could see divine mountains and waterfalls, and yin trees bearing human-headed fruits grew on the mountainsides.
He Qing walked ahead, a hundred thoughts racing through her mind. "It's wonderful that Void Heaven has come. The damaged city body and formations of Wuchang Ghost City will surely be repaired."
Zhang Ruochen understood clearly. "There's no rush for that."
"May I ask what Void Heaven intends to do with the source of the Black and White Yin-Yang Divine Flame?" He Qing asked.
"That is none of your concern."
Zhang Ruochen remained arrogant, adopting a cold and aloof attitude, unwilling to say more.
The deeper they went into the chaotic space, the hotter it became. Black and white flames appeared on the horizon.
The so-called fire source consisted of two divine mountains, one black and one white, both burning with flames.
The two mountains were a thousand zhang high, covered in jagged rocks, like yin and yang, rotating around each other, causing ripples in the surrounding space.
He Qing dared not hide anything. "By channeling divine energy into the two fire sources, their rotation speed will increase, absorbing the yin and yang energy from heaven and earth. The yin-yang fire will then burn more fiercely."
"Legend has it that if one's cultivation is strong enough, the yin-yang fire source can be used to refine entire star seas."
Zhang Ruochen was greatly moved. Using his spiritual power to investigate, he found that the energy of the yin-yang divine source far exceeded his expectations. It could not only be used to forge swords but also to help him cultivate the Lesser Derivative Central Palace and break through to the Indestructible Infinite realm.
"Withdraw. Without my permission, do not come here." Zhang Ruochen said.
As soon as He Qing left the influence range of the Black and White Yin-Yang Divine Flame, she found that her perception of "Void Heaven" and the "fire source" had vanished. Then, a violent windstorm erupted outside the White Impermanence Divine Temple.
The storm spread outward, deep into the black earth wilderness.
The yin and yang energy of heaven and earth flowed like streams, rapidly converging on the White Impermanence Divine Temple.
Because the yin energy in the Santu River basin was far denser than the yang energy, to maintain the balance of yin and yang, the countless stars and divine throne planets floating in the starry sky became nearly twice as bright as usual.
Such a massive disturbance naturally shocked the gods of the Hell Realm stationed beneath Wuchang Ghost City. They all turned their gazes toward the White Impermanence Divine Temple.
"The yin and yang energy of the entire Santu River basin is rapidly converging. Such a powerful fluctuation—could it be that the White Impermanence Venerable Lord and the Black Impermanence Venerable are merging in dual cultivation, breaking through to the Great Unbound Infinite?" A white-haired skeleton said excitedly, overjoyed.
A god from Wuchang Ghost City could barely contain his excitement. "If the two venerable lords succeed in breaking through, the strength of the Ghost Clan will greatly increase. This is tremendous good news!"
In the Black Impermanence Divine Temple, Mingye Shenzun's tall and imposing figure stood erect, gazing northward.
Gong Nanfeng, who had recovered from his injuries, clapped his hands happily. "I understand! Imperial Dust must be planning to use the source of the Black and White Yin-Yang Divine Flame and your wife's unique ghost body to break through to the Indestructible Infinite realm."
Mingye Shenzun's divine eyes were filled with gloom and severity as he stared at Gong Nanfeng.
Saying it so directly—was that respectful to him?
Gong Nanfeng didn't seem to care and continued on his own, "Imperial Dust's First-Rank Divine Path is the Wuji Divine Dao. Wuji gives birth to Taiji, Taiji gives birth to yin and yang, yin and yang evolve into the four symbols, and the four symbols lead to infinite changes. This Wuji Divine Dao is essentially the culmination of embracing yin and yang."
"God Venerable, why are you glaring at me like that? This is a good thing, a tremendous good thing."
"Think about it. Your wife dual-cultivating with Imperial Dust—how many lifetimes of karma did it take to earn this opportunity? The benefits gained are something countless cultivators dream of."
Mingye Shenzun agreed with Gong Nanfeng's guess, but this bastard was too outspoken. Was this something that could be said casually? Didn't he see there was another person in the temple?
Xue Tu, sitting in a corner on the right side of the temple, had been utterly despondent and silent. But upon hearing Gong Nanfeng's words, he suddenly opened his eyes.
His gaze held both admiration for Mingye Shenzun and a longing for cultivation.
To be a man, one should be like Senior Brother—relying on unparalleled strength to do as one pleased.
This was momentum. With absolute, overwhelming momentum, one could make even Mingye Shenzun willingly offer up his own Dao partner.
Suddenly, a hundred thoughts raced through Xue Tu's mind. He thought of how to report back to Feng Tian in Fengdu Ghost City.
Watching Xue Tu leave, a smile appeared on Gong Nanfeng's face. He said solemnly, "For the time being, God Venerable, it's best if you don't show your face. Now, all the cultivators think that the person in the White Impermanence Divine Temple is you. If they find out it's not you, the trouble will be considerable."
Mingye Shenzun struggled to control his emotions, feeling as if he had to endure a hundred times over to become a Buddha.
Gai Mie sat on the city wall of Wuchang Ghost City, looking toward the White Impermanence Divine Temple in the distance, where the yin and yang energy was raging wildly. A hint of mockery appeared at the corner of his mouth.
In Fengdu Ghost City, at the Central Ghost Emperor's Mansion.
From within the Thunder Clan Ancestor Realm, Feng Tian's divine voice rang out. "Zhang Ruochen still has no intention of coming to see me?"
Mu Lingxi stood at the edge of the chaotic space. Naturally, she wouldn't spread rumors like Xue Tu. She said clearly, "Reporting to Master, there have been new developments in Wuchang Ghost City. Imperial Dust cannot get away."
"Before coming to the Santu River basin, Gai Mie avoided Yanshu Chanshi and had already met with Huangquan Dadi. The damage to Wuchang Ghost City's defenses was caused by Gai Mie."
"Courting death!"
Thunder roared within the Thunder Clan Ancestor Realm, shaking the starry sky.
Mu Lingxi continued, "Earlier, Imperial Dust entered Wuchang Ghost City to investigate and exchanged blows with Gai Mie. It can be preliminarily concluded that Gai Mie's combat power has reached the middle stage of the Indestructible Infinite realm."
"Gai Mie has a request for Imperial Dust, so after a probing exchange, they stopped."
Gai Mie's combat power level exceeded Feng Tian's expectations.
A middle-stage Indestructible Infinite cultivator hiding in Wuchang Ghost City—this was enough to make Feng Tian hesitate to act rashly.
Feng Tian said, "Gai Mie can't refine the strange blood spring in Wuchang Ghost City, so he wants to use Zhang Ruochen to help him, right?"
Mu Lingxi nodded. "The strange power of the blood spring originates from the Dark Calamity. Even though Gai Mie has devoured Huang Yue, he doesn't dare absorb too much."
"Hmph! He damaged Wuchang Ghost City but didn't completely destroy it. He allied with Nutian Shenzun while also colluding with Huangquan Dadi. Gai Mie wants to both wait for the best offer and stay in Wuchang Ghost City without restraint to improve his cultivation." Feng Tian's tone was filled with anger.
Mu Lingxi bowed. "Master, please forgive my bluntness. If the strange blood spring in Wuchang Ghost City is refined by the Earth Cauldron, both Master and Imperial Dust can digest it. Why let Gai Mie have it?"
"Master has already consumed the Purple Heart Heavenly Venerable Orchid and absorbed the power of the Thunder Clan Ancestor Realm. In tens of thousands of years, you will surely break through to the peak of the Indestructible Infinite realm."
"But if you can absorb the blood energy of an Immortal, you might not have to wait that long! Moreover, the secret power contained in this blood energy could even help Master in the future to assault the Heavenly Venerable rank and the Half-Ancestor realm."
Mu Lingxi knew that Feng Tian valued the strange blood spring in Wuchang Ghost City highly. Her purpose was to wait for Zhang Ruochen and the Earth Cauldron.
Under the Blood Leaf Parasol Tree, Feng Tian's divine robe was as red as blood, contrasting sharply with her snow-white skin. A contemplative look appeared in her eyes.
Seeing that the Thunder Clan Ancestor Realm was silent, Mu Lingxi knew there was hope. She added, "I heard from Imperial Dust that the Immortal's palm was suppressed by the Second Confucian Ancestor using the Heavenly Mechanism Brush. Void Heaven has taken the Heavenly Mechanism Brush!"
Some things couldn't be said too explicitly.
What the Heavenly Mechanism Brush combined with the "Fate Heavenly Scripture" meant, Feng Tian knew better than anyone.
The Immortal's palm had fallen into Zhang Ruochen's hands, and the Heavenly Mechanism Brush had been taken by Void Heaven. This was a fair distribution of spoils.
A cold glint flashed in Feng Tian's eyes. Her stunning figure disappeared from under the Blood Leaf Parasol Tree, crossed the chaotic space, and appeared before Mu Lingxi. "Do you also think I was wrong?"
"Your disciple wouldn't dare." Mu Lingxi said.
"Qi Tian betrayed the Destiny Temple—that is a fact. Many cultivators of the Destiny Temple died because of him—that is also a fact. I don't know what deal Void Old Ghost made with Zhang Ruochen, but he can disregard the laws of the Destiny Temple. I cannot."
Suddenly, Feng Tian's gaze softened. "However, Zhang Ruochen has rendered great service to the Destiny Temple time and again, which can be considered making up for Qi Tian's mistakes."
Mu Lingxi was secretly delighted but remained cautious, not wanting to hurt Feng Tian's pride. "So, Master intends to release Senior Qi Tian?"
"Take Qi Tian to Wuchang Ghost City. Tell Zhang Ruochen that if he can stabilize Gai Mie, I will credit him with a merit. When Fengdu Dadi returns, he will naturally rectify the Santu River basin."
Although Feng Tian remained strong and still looked down on Zhang Ruochen from a superior position, her willingness to release Qi Tian showed that she knew she had misunderstood Zhang Ruochen. She had made what she considered the greatest concession, even feeling that her face was completely lost and that Zhang Ruochen might mock her.
Thinking of Zhang Ruochen's smug expression, her fingers, hidden beneath her wide red sleeves, clenched tightly together.
Mu Lingxi was overjoyed and was about to leave.
It was then that the yin-yang energy storm from the White Impermanence Divine Temple swept into Fengdu Ghost City.
Feng Tian waved her sleeve, tearing open the space, allowing her to directly observe the White Impermanence Divine Temple up close.
All the cultivators in the area where the White Impermanence Divine Temple was located felt as if the might of heaven and earth had descended upon them. They knelt on the ground, trembling.
Mu Lingxi said, "It should be Imperial Dust using the source of the Black and White Yin-Yang Divine Flame to forge his sword."
Detecting nothing unusual, Feng Tian withdrew her divine gaze and divine might.
"Master, your disciple begs forgiveness."
Xue Tu's voice came from outside the hall.
Feng Tian was in a rage and couldn't be bothered with him. She was about to return to the Thunder Clan Ancestor Realm to continue her cultivation.
Xue Tu's voice rang out again. "Senior Brother originally planned to repair Wuchang Ghost City immediately, but he suddenly discovered an opportunity to break through to the Indestructible Infinite realm. So, he went to the White Impermanence Divine Temple to go into seclusion. It's all your disciple's fault. I knelt and begged all night, but I couldn't persuade him..."
Before he could finish, Feng Tian finally spoke. "What opportunity to break through? He wants to use the Wuji Divine Dao to break through to the Indestructible Infinite realm? That won't be easy."
"Your disciple dares not say, dares not speak recklessly. But now, all the gods outside Wuchang Ghost City are spreading rumors. I don't know if they are true." Xue Tu was extremely nervous. This time, he truly dared not speak carelessly.
"Boom!"
Soon after, thunderous roars shook the heavens and earth from within the Central Ghost Emperor's Mansion.
The ghost cultivators in the city were all terrified. [3]