Chapter 4029: A Break?
"Chongming Old Ancestor, North Marsh Great Wall."
Just eight words.
Void Heaven glanced at the note and sneered, "Truly a generous gift, but also a transparent scheme to kill with a borrowed knife."
After Feng Tian broke through to the Heavenly Venerable rank, her next step would inevitably be to assault the Half-Ancestor realm. Although several Half-Ancestors had emerged in the current era, that did not mean this path was easy. In reality, even with the reduced difficulty of breaking through in this age, a vast chasm still separated the Heavenly Venerable rank from the Half-Ancestor realm.
With the blessing of heaven-defying opportunities, the path to Half-Ancestor could be relatively smooth. Otherwise, even after another Eon, Feng Tian might not be able to touch the boundary of the Half-Ancestor realm.
Undoubtedly, for her, the greatest opportunity in the current universe was the Demon Ancestor Ridge, which had emerged alongside the Nuwa Palace and the Dragon Nest. This also included the Parasol Divine Tree growing on Demon Ancestor Ridge.
The legacy of the Demon Ancestor, one of the Nine Great Witch Ancestors, might have been sent directly across the River of Time to this era. Its value was incomparable to the legacies of ordinary Primordial Ancestors. It surpassed the "Nine-Headed Mark," the breakthrough opportunity of Qishier Pin Lian, and the "Nether River," the breakthrough opportunity of Nutian Shenzun.
The fact that Chongming Old Ancestor, who controlled Demon Ancestor Ridge and the Parasol Divine Tree, could contend with a Half-Ancestor, demonstrated its worth. Even if one obtained Demon Ancestor Ridge and the Parasol Divine Tree, they might not break through to Half-Ancestor, but Feng Tian could gain the power to rival a Half-Ancestor—a fatal allure.
Nutian Shenzun said, "If the Eternal True Ruler wants to kill with a borrowed knife, doesn't that mean Corpse Nightmare is not at the North Marsh Great Wall?"
Feng Tian said, "I think so too. If the Nether Ancestor Faction's lair were at the North Marsh Great Wall, with a Primordial Ancestor sitting there, the Eternal True Ruler sending this note would be meaningless."
Zhang Ruochen raised an eyebrow slightly. "Feng Tian, are you tempted after all?"
"Why wouldn't I be tempted?"
Feng Tian's gaze was sharp, as if it could pierce straight into Zhang Ruochen's heart. "After more than a hundred thousand years of arduous cultivation, aided by the Fate Ancestor Divine Source, I only achieved the Great Perfection of my Twelve Fate Phases before breaking through to the Heavenly Venerable rank. To go further, I must unify the Twelve Phase Dao, thereby truly returning to the original Path of Fate. This is my great path—Void Annihilation Dharma One!"
"Just like the seven colors of light merging into a single beam of white light, illuminating the world. White light is inherently colorless, but without it, we could not see the colorful world."
"The moment I broke through to the Heavenly Venerable rank, I saw my own limit. In this life, I cannot achieve Void Annihilation Dharma One. The unification of the Twelve Phase Dao is the realm of a Primordial Ancestor, a realm only the Fate Ancestor has ever reached."
Zhang Ruochen said, "Does Feng Tian believe that Demon Ancestor Ridge and the Parasol Divine Tree can help you break through your limit?"
Feng Tian's gaze softened. "Whether it can or not, this is the only chance. Do you know which of the Nine Great Witch Ancestors refined the Fate Cauldron, the Heavenly Cauldron?"
Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred. "Could it be the Demon Ancestor Phoenix?"
Feng Tian nodded. "Perhaps this is why the Fate Ancestor chose me back then."
The "Fate Ancestor" she referred to now was, of course, not the true Fate Ancestor, but Gong Nanfeng, who had returned as a remnant soul.
In the Wuchang Ghost City, Feng Tian had told Zhang Ruochen that deep in her memories, after her original corpse body had awakened consciousness from beneath the Santu River basin, a man suspected to be the Fate Ancestor had taught her for a time. This was the fundamental reason she had learned the Path of Fate and joined the Destiny Temple.
It was even possible that her consciousness itself was bestowed by the Fate Ancestor.
As the Fate Ancestor lay dying, he left the Auspicious Gate to Feng Tian, confirming this point.
Just as Feng Tian herself speculated, the Fate Ancestor had many choices—why did he choose her specifically?
If there was a certain connection between Feng Tian's corpse body and the ancient Demon Ancestor Phoenix, Zhang Ruochen would believe it.
The Fate Ancestor, living a second life, still aimed to defeat the Nether Ancestor. How could he have spent so much effort on a futile endeavor?
Feng Tian said, "The Phoenix Demon Ancestor's mastery of the Path of Fate might not match the Fate Ancestor's. But she was born in the ancient era and could gather more heaven-and-earth treasures of fate attributes to forge the cauldron."
"Zhang Ruochen, do you know why you still don't know the correct way to use the Heavenly Cauldron? Perhaps, to unleash its true power, you need Demon Ancestor Ridge and the Parasol Divine Tree."
Zhang Ruochen said, "So what Feng Tian needs is not just Demon Ancestor Ridge and the Parasol Divine Tree, but also this Heavenly Cauldron in my hand. Using its true power to help you achieve the Void Annihilation Dharma One state of unified Twelve Phase Dao. Can I use the Heavenly Cauldron as a bargaining chip to stop you from going to the North Marsh Great Wall?"
"When have I ever changed a decision I've made?" Feng Tian said.
Void Heaven's gaze flickered between Feng Tian and Zhang Ruochen, sensing something amiss between them.
Had they already broken ties?
Zhang Ruochen continued, "I believe that if even the Fate Esoterica cannot unleash the special power of the Heavenly Cauldron, Demon Ancestor Ridge and the Parasol Divine Tree will be even harder to use."
"This is a trap set by the God Realm and the Eternal True Ruler, waiting for you to jump in. Wake up."
"Why trust the Eternal True Ruler and not me? Give me time to break through to Primordial Ancestor, and I will definitely be able to activate all the power of the Heavenly Cauldron, helping you merge the Twelve Phase Dao. It won't take long."
For a brief moment, silence fell.
It was as if everyone's breathing had stopped.
Nutian Shenzun said, "I think Ruochen has a point. There's no need to jump in knowing you're being used."
After a long while.
Feng Tian said softly, "The Heavenly Cauldron is not yours."
Zhang Ruochen looked into Feng Tian's eyes, but she did not meet his gaze.
"Swoosh!"
Zhang Ruochen summoned the Heavenly Cauldron, holding it in his palm.
On the cauldron's body, ancient patterns flickered—herding cattle and farming, heavenly fire sweeping the plains, calamitous lightning descending, blessings and fortune shining upon the earth, and more.
"Feng Tian has refined the Fate Ancestor Divine Source and possesses Ancestor Divine Qi. You should be able to activate the Heavenly Cauldron. Today, I return the cauldron to you!"
Zhang Ruochen stood up and walked away. At the door, he paused. "Persuade her. Going to the North Marsh Great Wall is no different from seeking death."
The Heavenly Cauldron was originally lent to him by Feng Tian. Zhang Ruochen had always been clear about this.
The reason he had not distinguished between theirs and his was that he felt there was no need for such distinctions between them.
As long as she wanted something he had, Zhang Ruochen would always give it. If he didn't have it, he would find a way to get it for her.
Because Zhang Ruochen would never forget that Feng Tian had saved his life more than once and had protected him in his most dangerous moments.
But in the current world, all cultivators knew that Zhang Ruochen was collecting the Nine Cauldrons.
Those who could hinder him might be Lady Shiji, the master of the Darkness Cauldron, or Yan Wushen, who held the Time Cauldron. It should never have been Feng Tian.
Feng Tian asking for the Heavenly Cauldron back was only natural.
If it had been at any other time, in any other tone, or in any other way, Zhang Ruochen would have been more than happy to return it to her.
In fact, on this trip to the Destiny Temple, Zhang Ruochen had intended to hand over the Heavenly Cauldron and the Fate Ancestor's Auspicious Gate to Feng Tian.
After all, collecting all Nine Cauldrons was still a distant goal, while the Heavenly Cauldron could significantly boost Feng Tian's combat power. As the Hall Master of the Destiny Temple, wielding the Heavenly Cauldron would also be more fitting.
The Fate Ancestor's Auspicious Gate had lost its use for Zhang Ruochen; it would have greater value in Feng Tian's hands.
But Feng Tian had chosen to reclaim the Heavenly Cauldron in a way that almost signaled a break with Zhang Ruochen. How could he not be emotional?
What frustrated Zhang Ruochen even more was that he was clearly acting for her own good, not wanting her to be used by others. Yet she was willing to go against him and stubbornly go her own way.
Outside Nutian Shenzun's Divine Palace.
Bore, Hai Shang Youruo, Que, Xue Tu, Yan Yu, and Yan Huangtu were all present. Zhang Ruochen also spotted A Le among them.
Xue Tu noticed Zhang Ruochen's grim expression and, guessing something, wisely hid among the crowd, saying nothing.
Hai Shang Youruo stepped forward and asked, "What was the congratulatory gift from the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom?"
Zhang Ruochen composed himself. "If the Hall Master wants you to know, you will naturally find out."
"Lord Imperial Dust, may I have a word in private?"
Yan Yu bowed politely and stepped forward.
Zhang Ruochen quickly supported Yan Yu, smiling. "Why be so formal, Second Uncle? If you do this, and Brother Huangtu spreads it around, won't the world think I, Zhang Ruochen, am ungrateful?"
If not for the vast gap in their cultivation, Yan Huangtu would have fought Zhang Ruochen then and there.
Why call Yan Yu "Second Uncle" and him "Brother Huangtu"?
What did he mean by "spreading it around" for the world to know?
Was he, Yan Huangtu, the kind of person who liked to spread rumors?
Yan Huangtu sneered but had to hold back.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Everyone here is a trusted ally. Second Uncle, speak freely. I don't believe anyone would dare leak it."
Yan Huangtu was bristling. Why was Zhang Ruochen looking at him again?
Yan Yu smiled. "It's nothing major. The Clan Leader wants to meet with Lord Imperial Dust. Originally, Huangtu and I planned to attend Feng Tian's coronation before visiting you in the Void Realm."
Zhang Ruochen could call him "Second Uncle," but he absolutely could not call Zhang Ruochen "Ruochen" anymore. Yan Yu knew his boundaries.
For Yan Huanyu to personally send Yan Yu and Yan Huangtu to the Void Realm to visit the secluded Zhang Ruochen—how could this meeting be trivial?
Many thoughts crossed Zhang Ruochen's mind. "Once matters here are settled, I will definitely visit the Yama Clan. A Le, why have you come to the Destiny Temple?"
Compared to Xue Tu's mix of fear and reverence and Yan Yu's cautiousness, A Le was quite casual with Zhang Ruochen. "Tai Shang sent me to the Void Realm to invite you out. A distinguished guest has visited the Sword Realm and must meet you in person."
To move Tai Shang and require a meeting with Zhang Ruochen's true body—how many figures in the current universe had such influence?
All the gods present realized that something major was about to happen. It would not remain as peaceful as it had been for the past sixty thousand years.
"Come with me to the Glazed Glass Divine Temple first."
Before leaving, Zhang Ruochen looked at Bore. "Why not come back to the Sword Realm with me? Lingxi has always missed you."
Bore took out the Fate Heavenly Disk and handed it to Zhang Ruochen. "Give this to Xingchen. Last time he came to the Destiny Temple, he was clamoring for it. Now that he should have some achievements in the Path of Fate, he can put it to use."
Zhang Ruochen shook his head gently, not forcing her. He accepted the Fate Heavenly Disk and disappeared into space with A Le.
...
Glazed Glass Divine Temple.
A Le did not enter the hall. He stood to the right of the temple gate, holding his sword, facing the void.
Zhang Ruochen entered the temple, passed through beaded curtains and drapes, and arrived at a garden blooming with a hundred flowers.
The lake water was emerald green, and pavilions were faintly visible in the mist.
Lian Xi hurried out of the mist and blocked Zhang Ruochen. "Lord Imperial Dust, the Empress is bathing."
"Oh, I came at just the right time."
Zhang Ruochen did not continue forward, but he still glanced toward the southeast corner of the divine lake. There, the mist was hazy, and he could make out Lady Shiji's beautiful back, strands of hair, and jade-like arms.
On the screen by the lakeshore, fragrant garments and jade belts were draped.
Order rules shrouded the area, making it unclear, but such a scene was enough to stir the imagination of any cultivator in the world.
"Only you in the world would dare barge into the Glazed Glass Divine Temple," Lady Shiji's melodious voice drifted over.
Zhang Ruochen said, "The Glazed Glass Divine Temple is hardly a dragon's den or tiger's lair. Why can't I barge in? If I didn't, how could I witness such beauty today?"
"What audacity! You dare be so presumptuous before me—it seems you have indeed broken through to the Heavenly Venerable rank."
Water splashed.
In the distance, within the hazy white mist, Lady Shiji's mostly snow-white body was hidden beneath the water. Her slender jade arms moved, sending ripples spreading toward Zhang Ruochen's location.
The ripples were subtle, but under the empowerment of Half-Ancestor order and rules, they were like cosmic tides, emitting a deafening roar and unleashing a devastating shockwave.
Lian Xi's current cultivation was enough to make her a notable figure, comparable to the Heavenly Venerables of the Hell Realm.
But at this moment, she felt unsteady, as if the ripples from the lake could tear her apart.
Zhang Ruochen moved and landed on the lake's surface.
Instantly, the earth-shattering energy dissipated into nothingness.
The water's surface was as calm as a mirror.
Lian Xi looked at the lake. Two Zhang Ruochens appeared—one on the lake, one in the lake.
One was clearly a reflection, but she felt that the reflection could come to life at any moment.
Lian Xi knew how particular Lady Shiji was about cleanliness. Zhang Ruochen entering the Glazed Glass Divine Temple without bathing and burning incense was already a major taboo. Now, stepping into the divine lake where Lady Shiji was bathing—she could imagine how furious the Empress must be.
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, "I did not come to the Glazed Glass Divine Temple to spar with you, Empress. I came to tell you something important. The Dark Lord may have already fallen, and his successor is Qishier Pin Lian. If you have not yet refined the Desolate Moon, you should be careful!"
Lady Shiji said softly, "From our earlier exchange, Lord Imperial Dust should have seen my current strength. I am not afraid of the Dark Lord, so why should I fear Qishier Pin Lian?"
In their earlier exchange, Lady Shiji had forced Zhang Ruochen to step onto the divine lake in person to calm the ripples, showing her superior skill. By refining and killing parts of the remnants of Di and the Nine-Headed Stone Man, and seizing the matter of a star domain that Di had possessed, Lady Shiji's cultivation had indeed reached a higher level.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Qishier Pin Lian has joined the Eternal True Ruler's sect."
"Oh, that explains it."
Lady Shiji clearly took this seriously.
If the Eternal True Ruler helped Qishier Pin Lian kill the Dark Lord, then he was undoubtedly grooming her as a Primordial Ancestor. In the future, he would surely help her seize the Desolate Moon.
Zhang Ruochen continued, "There is another matter I should have told you sixty thousand years ago. Someone found the corpse of the Hongmeng Black Dragon at Buzhou Mountain and sent it back to the Abyss of Darkness. Once the Hongmeng Black Dragon awakens, it will also come for the Desolate Moon."
This matter was naturally told to Zhang Ruochen by Chi Kunlun.