Chapter 4004: Where Does the Undying Blood Clan Go?
With a tremor in space, as if the sky were collapsing and the earth splitting apart, several members of the Undying Blood Clan were pulled into Zhang Ruochen's Divine Realm World.
The Ancestral Blood Wings hovered dozens of zhang above the ground, the blood light they emitted already turning black—a sign of extreme blood qi. Though only a few zhang long, everyone knew that the Undying Blood Clan's giant divine bodies could span tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of li. The true size of the Ancestral Blood Wings was beyond imagination.
Aside from Zhang Ruochen, who had already adapted to the aura of the Ancestral Blood Wings, the others present were suffocated, their hearts racing, their spirits and divine souls heavily impacted.
Among the Undying Blood Clan members, except for Clan Leader Xue Jue, the rest knelt on one knee, bowing to the blood wings. This was the highest reverence, an innate faith.
Their hearts surged, and the blood within their bodies, influenced by the ancestral blood qi, truly boiled, condensing into flames that spread outside their skin.
Clan Leader Xue Jue's eyes burned with intensity. "Such an aura... it can only be Ancestor Yin. So powerful! It feels like it contains an endless sea of blood. Where was it found? Is Ancestor Yin still alive? Blood Shadow Divine Mother once said that eleven eons ago, she sensed the aura of Ancestor Yin."
The ancestral power and blood qi within the Ancestral Blood Wings were so vigorous, as if freshly stripped from the Ancestor himself. It didn't seem like something left over from that ancient era.
Zhang Ruochen had suspected whether this pair of Ancestral Blood Wings was left by Ancestor Yin in this era or during that special period eleven eons ago. But after analysis, he deemed this possibility unlikely.
More likely, the peculiarity of Houtu's wedding gown had sealed the ancestral power and blood qi within the wings, preventing them from being lost or eroded over time.
Of course, everything would only be confirmed after Zhang Ruochen investigated the truth of the Ancestor War eleven eons ago.
Zhang Ruochen did not hide anything from Clan Leader Xue Jue and told him all the information he knew.
Clan Leader Xue Jue digested the shock in his heart and, after a long while, calmed down. "Is there a way to break through the defense of these Ancestral Blood Wings?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "Grandfather wants the ancestral blood inside?"
"The blood contained within is that of Ancestor Yin. Which Undying Blood Clan cultivator wouldn't want a few cups? Even a single drop would be of unparalleled benefit to the younger generation of the Undying Blood Clan, laying a solid foundation." Clan Leader Xue Jue stated bluntly.
The blood qi within the Ancestral Blood Wings was vast and magnificent, and Zhang Ruochen naturally wouldn't be stingy. But he shook his head with a wry smile. "With my current cultivation, I cannot break through the Ancestral Blood Wings."
Though somewhat disappointed, Clan Leader Xue Jue knew this was likely the truth. If the Ancestral Blood Wings were so easy to break, they would have been shattered long ago.
What level of cultivation did Ancestor Yin possess?
The defense of these blood wings must surpass that of the Nine-Headed Stone Man's body.
Zhang Ruochen said, "With a Half-Ancestor's cultivation and the sharpness of a First Chapter Divine Artifact, some blood could probably be released from within. If I see Heavenly Mother, I will ask her to help."
Clan Leader Xue Jue quickly said, "I was just joking, don't do it. Once the defense of the Ancestral Blood Wings is broken, who knows if its power will decrease? There's no need for now. We'll talk later."
Zhang Ruochen stomped his foot. "Grandfather, what do you think of this blood soil beneath our feet?"
Having been so shaken by the Ancestral Blood Wings, Clan Leader Xue Jue now noticed the extraordinary nature of the blood soil beneath them.
"Is this the blood soil where the Ancestral Blood Wings and Houtu's wedding gown were unearthed?" he asked.
Zhang Ruochen nodded. "It was moved from Chao Tian Que. Nourished by the Ancestral Blood Wings and Houtu's wedding gown, it can be considered a sacred cultivation ground."
"It's somewhat similar to the soil of Bai Cang Star, but with denser blood qi and more concentrated divine patterns. It should be possible to refine some Bai Cang Blood Soil—no, a large amount of Bai Cang Blood Soil," Clan Leader Xue Jue said.
Bai Cang Blood Soil was of great significance to the Undying Blood Clan. Refining it into the body could directly increase lifespan and enhance physical strength. It could be called the foremost divine object of the Undying Blood Clan.
However, after endless years of consumption, Bai Cang Blood Soil had become extremely scarce, with only small amounts remaining in the Undying Divine Temple and Bai Cang Star. Even clan leaders and hall masters like Xue Jue and Bing Huang could hardly enjoy it.
If he could absorb enough Bai Cang Blood Soil into his body, Clan Leader Xue Jue was confident he could elevate his combat power to another level at the same cultivation realm.
Zhang Ruochen said, "In ancient times, Lady Houtu likely buried herself on this land. Over endless years, her flesh and corpse merged with this earth, transforming into Bai Cang Blood Soil, nurturing Ancestor Yin. This blood soil can naturally refine a large amount of Bai Cang Blood Soil."
"Take this blood soil back to Bai Cang Star. Consider it a gift from me to the Undying Blood Clan."
Fearing Clan Leader Xue Jue might refuse such a generous gift, Zhang Ruochen added, "To be precise, this is what Ancestor Yin left for the Undying Blood Clan. Grandfather, please accept it."
"Since you put it that way, if I don't accept, I'd be acting pretentious."
Clan Leader Xue Jue glanced at Xia Yu and said, "The Undying Blood Clan can't accept the Imperial Dust's gift for nothing. Coincidentally, I also have a generous gift here. Please, Imperial Dust, accept it."
Zhang Ruochen, thoughtful, smiled. "Grandfather, don't force it. That would be too disrespectful to Yu Shenzun."
"Is that so? Xia Yu, do you think I'm disrespecting you?" Clan Leader Xue Jue asked.
Xia Yu bowed gracefully and said clearly, "Clan Leader's kindness to Xia Yu is as heavy as a mountain. Whatever arrangement the Clan Leader makes, Xia Yu can accept."
"See!"
Clan Leader Xue Jue added, "I never said the gift in return was her. Imperial Dust just had to think that way. It shows... Hey, don't leave, let me finish..."
Zhang Ruochen pulled Xia Yu and quickly walked out of the Divine Realm World, lowering his voice. "After becoming Clan Leader, Grandfather has started acting like an elder. You are a Shenzun; you must have your own opinions. Don't let him arrange things for you."
Clan Leader Xue Jue's actual age in the real world was not old, but adding the years he had cultivated within the Sundial, he was already hundreds of thousands of years old, no longer young.
It was precisely because of frequent cultivation within the Sundial that Clan Leader Xue Jue's cultivation had broken through to Indestructible Infinite.
Over the past fifty thousand years, the existence of the Sundial had allowed Zhang Ruochen, Xue Jue, Huang Tian, Bing Huang, Dragon Lord, Qiangu Nüdi, Chi Yao, Bai Qinger, Que, Yin Yuan Chen, Xuanyuan Lian, Jue Miao Chan Bing, A Le, Qing Jing, Zhang Hongchen, and other top-talented cultivators to completely pull away from ordinary gods. The higher the talent, the greater the increase in cultivation.
Xia Yu, being dragged by Zhang Ruochen, remained calm and said, "How does Imperial Dust know my true thoughts? Perhaps the Clan Leader's arrangement happens to suit Xia Yu's wishes?"
Leaving the Divine Realm World, Zhang Ruochen released her wrist and looked into her jade-green beautiful eyes with sincerity. "Remember when I helped you find your Thought Desire Shackle? After that time, deep down, you actually saw me as your deceased elder brother."
"Xia Yu, don't confuse these feelings. Find your true self. Remember, if you ever have any unsolvable problems, you can come to me. I can be your elder brother."
Zhang Ruochen's words uncovered the deepest wound in Xia Yu's heart. For a moment, she herself was confused.
Was it really as Zhang Ruochen said? Over the years, she had merely transferred her longing and guilt for her brother onto him, giving rise to that subtle affection?
Xiu Chen Heavenly God, watching Xia Yu's dazed and lost state from afar, said coldly, "Pitiful. I dare say she will never love another man in this life. She will surely end up alone, growing old in bleak solitude. Zhang Ruochen, you really are damned. You could accept Ao Linglong and Yu Chenjing, so why not take another wife?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "Emotion is just a part of cultivation. Many people end up alone. Do you think you won't be the same in the future?"
After the family banquet at the Blood Absolute Family, Bing Huang and Undying War God arrived one after another.
Together with Zhang Ruochen and Clan Leader Xue Jue, the four held a secret discussion.
Bing Huang was the first to ask, "Has Xiao Tian's injury fully healed?"
Xiao Tian was Xiao Hei's real name.
"With Tai Shang as his master, his injuries have long since healed. Bing Huang, don't worry."
Zhang Ruochen got straight to the point. "Although the Ancestor calamity of the Nine-Headed Stone Man has been resolved, a greater danger has arrived."
"Everyone should have heard about the Starry Sea Angler, the Dark Anomaly, and the Divine Realm. If any of them make a move, the Undying Blood Clan cannot withstand it. So, where should the Undying Blood Clan go from here? The three of you should make a decision early."
Undying War God, his physique like a cast-iron mountain, sat steadily in his seat. "How strong is the Starry Sea Angler?"
"Not weaker than the Nine-Headed Stone Man. Even if Tai Shang self-destructs his divine heart, there is only a slim chance of taking him down with him. Other Half-Ancestors might not even have the opportunity to self-destruct their divine sources," Zhang Ruochen said.
Bing Huang and Clan Leader Xue Jue's expressions grew heavier.
The Undying Blood Clan currently didn't even have a Half-Ancestor, and Undying War God had only recently broken through to the Heavenly Venerable rank.
Undying War God asked again, "Does the Sword Realm have means to deal with Ancestors?"
Zhang Ruochen recounted the plans of Yunshen Daozhu and Wen Tianjun.
The Sword Realm had three Half-Ancestors and multiple Heavenly Venerable-rank experts. More importantly, with over a thousand great worlds concentrated, it could quickly mobilize the power of all living beings, making it arguably the safest place in the universe.
Of course, the more so, the more it would attract the attention of Ancestors and Immortals, making it not truly safe.
Undying War God pondered for a moment. "Does Imperial Dust think the Undying Blood Clan will become a target of these three forces? For now, the Sword Realm, White Clothes Valley, and the Heavenly Court are the most dangerous places, right?"
Zhang Ruochen said, "Correct. The Sword Realm is the greatest threat to Ancestors and Immortals."
"White Clothes Valley suppresses the Styx River and the Dark Hand."
"The Heavenly Court holds the Ancestral Divine Source of the Nine-Headed Stone Man. As long as the spirit and divine soul within the source are not extinguished, the Nine-Headed Stone Man is not truly dead. Hao Tian is the most likely person in the current era to reach the Ancestor realm within one or two eons. Even if this probability is extremely low, it remains a threat to the Immortals."
"But is the Undying Blood Clan truly safe?"
"The Dark Anomaly, the Dark Hand, and the Dark Remnant are merging. Once the fusion is complete, their strength will inevitably reach the Ancestor level. It is entirely possible that they will first devour blood qi and souls to further enhance their power before going to White Clothes Valley to seize the Dark Hand."
"With so much blood qi in the Ten-Winged World, will it really not be targeted?"
Bing Huang's eyes were filled with worry. "Is Imperial Dust trying to persuade the Undying Blood Clan to join the Sword Realm?"
Clan Leader Xue Jue remained silent.
Zhang Ruochen said, "I believe that with the experience and wisdom of the three of you, you must clearly understand the Undying Blood Clan's current crisis and situation. If the Undying Blood Clan joins the Sword Realm, I would naturally welcome it. With your addition, we would have a better chance of confronting the Immortals."
Clan Leader Xue Jue shook his head. "Not now. If the Undying Blood Clan joins the Sword Realm, the Rakshasa Clan and the Shura Clan will inevitably follow. While the Sword Realm can confront the Immortals, how will the Hell Realm confront them?"
"If the Hell Realm collapses, it means one pole of power against the Immortals is lost. Then, the Primordial Beings will inevitably take the opportunity to move, attacking the Yellow Spring Star River. The balance will be broken, and a great chaos will erupt among us first."
Zhang Ruochen smiled. "In fact, the Wuding Divine Sea is already saturated. If the Undying Blood Clan, Rakshasa Clan, and Shura Clan join, it would certainly be unsustainable. Moreover, the Lower Three Clans and many great worlds under the Sword Realm have deep hatreds. For now, I am not confident in coordinating all parties."
"So, my suggestion is that the Undying Blood Clan—or rather, the entire Lower Three Clans—can select a group of young sparks to join the Sword Realm."
"The younger generation has no grudges with that side. It will be much easier for cultivators from various worlds and clans to accept them."
"If—if the Undying Blood Clan truly faces a calamity of extinction, the nearest Yama Clan, Shura Clan, Rakshasa Clan, and even the Heavenly Court will not stand idly by. All parties will not allow the Immortals to further enhance their power. Of course, the Sword Realm will also act!"
"Whether we can stop all this is uncertain. But as long as there are sparks, the clan should be able to quickly reproduce and grow."
Undying War God carefully considered Zhang Ruochen's words. "Xue Jue, handle this matter. Each of the ten major tribes will select one hundred million sparks and, together with Bai Cang Star, send them to the Wuding Divine Sea. Hmm... also copy a portion of the Undying Divine Temple's scriptures and transport them over."
...
Heavenly Mother did not return to Luozu Cloud Mountain Realm but remained stationed at Kongming Realm on the Abyss of Darkness defense line.
The location of the Wu Hall was only a few thousand li from White Clothes Valley.
Chan Bing had returned to White Clothes Valley first, while Zhang Ruochen went to the Wu Hall to visit Heavenly Mother.
Heavenly Mother, wearing Houtu's wedding gown, sat cross-legged, her white hair floating strand by strand in the void, giving Zhang Ruochen a mysterious and unfathomable feeling—real yet illusory, unable to pinpoint her true position.
Zhang Ruochen stood upright, his demeanor unparalleled. "Congratulations, Heavenly Mother, on advancing your cultivation further."
Heavenly Mother said, "My cultivation hasn't made a major breakthrough. The illusion you have is caused by Houtu's wedding gown. It is an extraordinary treasure. As I study it more deeply and uncover more of its power, the gains increase."
"A hundred years is not enough to fully unearth its power, but with my current application of it, if I were to face the Nine-Headed Stone Man again, I am confident I can contend with him on equal footing."
Zhang Ruochen's eyes lit up. "Heavenly Mother can already rival an Ancestor?"
Heavenly Mother shook her head. "A true Ancestor is far more powerful than the Nine-Headed Stone Man. Treasures like Houtu's wedding gown are unmatched in the world. Zhang Ruochen, don't you want it back?"
With his cultivation improving, Zhang Ruochen no longer viewed Heavenly Mother with reverence but more as an equal Dao companion. He spoke naturally. "If I take it back, would I wear it myself? I think, for now, Houtu's wedding gown can only exert its greatest effect in Heavenly Mother's hands. No other woman is qualified."
Heavenly Mother was silent for a long while. "What do you want? Name it. How about the Wu Hall?"
Zhang Ruochen looked at the magnificent hall structure around him. "The Wu Hall is not much stronger than Chao Tian Que. Its use to me is limited. I have found a path to break through to the Heavenly Venerable rank. I heard that Heavenly Mother took two stone body fragments from the Nine-Headed Stone Man. Could I borrow them to observe for a while?"
"Is such a trivial matter worth mentioning?"
Heavenly Mother released the two stone fragments containing Ancestral aura from her Divine Realm World. "Fortunately, I spent the last hundred years studying Houtu's wedding gown instead of refining them."
Zhang Ruochen accepted the two stone fragments and, thinking of something, took out an object. "Heavenly Mother wishes to read the 'Luo Shu.' I have borrowed it for you."
"If one day Zhang Ruochen regrets this, feel free to ask me for it back. Houtu's wedding gown will always belong to the Zhang family."
Taking the "Luo Shu," Heavenly Mother watched Zhang Ruochen walk out of the Wu Hall. Her lips moved, wanting to call him back and ask if Immovable Bright King Great Venerable was still alive.
But a fear she hadn't felt in years arose in her heart—fear that the answer she got wouldn't be what she wanted.
In the end, she didn't ask.
Just as he stepped out of the Wu Hall, Zhang Ruochen heard Void Heaven's sarcastic voice: "In your eyes now, only Heavenly Mother counts as a big shot worth currying favor with. That's why you visited her first after arriving."
Zhang Ruochen, as if just noticing him, said in surprise, "Void Heaven, when did a big shot like you learn to squat in corners?"
Void Heaven snorted coldly. "Hand over the Blood Fiend Bell, and the Sword Heart too."
(Chapter End)
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