Chapter 4113: Encountering an Old Acquaintance
After searching through Bao Yin Di Zang's memories, Huang Tian only obtained two useful pieces of information.
First, he saw a powerful figure from the Eight Divisions Followers, the Heavenly Clan expert, San Ying Tian. It was a figure that Huang Tian would never forget after seeing it—a youthful appearance, but with eyes so sharp they pierced through everything. In Bao Yin Di Zang's memories, when Huang Tian met his gaze, he felt as if he were looking at himself.
It was as if San Ying Tian could transcend time and space, using Bao Yin Di Zang's consciousness as a medium to transmit his own spiritual will to Huang Tian.
Bao Yin Di Zang had his spiritual will broken by San Ying Tian and ultimately chose to submit.
Second, Bao Zhu Di Zang was indeed not on the same side as Tan Tuo Di Zang and Bao Yin Di Zang.
As for the identity of the Half-Ancestor hidden within the Stone Clan by the Nether Ancestor Faction, as expected, Bao Yin Di Zang knew nothing.
An Indestructible Infinite mid-stage cultivator was considered a pillar of support in any force. But in the eyes of a Half-Ancestor, they were merely slightly more powerful pawns. How could they possibly know such an important secret about a Half-Ancestor?
Both Bao Yin Di Zang and Tan Tuo Di Zang had been ordered by the Nether Envoy to go to the Stone Clan and seize the Lamp of Life and Death from Huang Tian.
As for the Nether Envoy's cultivation level and identity, Bao Yin Di Zang's memories were completely blurred.
Clearly, there were missing memories—parts had been erased.
Huang Tian's mood was heavy. "The Nether Ancestor Faction is far stronger than we estimated. Besides Shi Yan, Hong Ya Wang, Ruo Shui Zhi Mu, Yan Wushen, and A Fu Ya, there should be another hidden force. This hidden force revolves around Bi Luo Pass and the Grey Sea. They must be guarding some terrifying secret, which is why outsiders almost never know of their existence."
Huang Tian used his finger to outline San Ying Tian's image and appearance, including his aura and demeanor. It was so vivid and lifelike that it seemed as if he were standing right before them.
"In Bao Yin Di Zang's memories, this Heavenly Clan expert is at least at the Heavenly Venerable rank, extremely dangerous. He seems to be the representative figure of the Eight Divisions Followers and the main architect of the Heavenly Wasteland and Earthly Wasteland plans. If we go to Wang Chuan, we will most likely have to confront him."
"If we encounter him, everyone must avoid a direct clash. Evade if possible."
Multiple pairs of eyes turned toward Zhang Ruochen.
Clearly, in their view, only Saint Si Dao Chang present could deal with San Ying Tian and clear the obstacles for everyone to cross Wang Chuan.
Zhang Ruochen's eyes opened and closed, his demeanor calm and composed. "This poor Daoist will move in the shadows and head to Wang Chuan first to investigate the situation there. If I truly see this San Ying Tian, I will send word to you all to discuss a countermeasure. The problem now is that I do not know the location of Wang Chuan. Who will guide me?"
Wang Chuan, known as the Land of Oblivion, was naturally difficult to find.
Even Bao Yin Di Zang and Bao Zhu Di Zang had never been there.
Huang Tian and Ci Hang Zun Zhe were even more unaware of its whereabouts.
Everyone looked at the eldest master of the Meng Clan.
The Withering Death Art curse had passed, and the eldest master had recovered, but he looked as if he had aged significantly, his energy and spirit severely depleted.
With no way to avoid it, the eldest master of the Meng Clan said helplessly, "Fine, I will go with the Dao Chang."
Bao Zhu Di Zang said, "No, the eldest master must stay on the Tianlong. If something happens to the Tianlong, Wang Chuan will surely become alert. If they withdraw, who will lead us to Bi Luo Pass? If they turn the tables and set an ambush at Wang Chuan, wouldn't we be walking into a trap? Then we would lose the initiative."
Ci Hang Zun Zhe said, "But our previously discussed plan was that the cultivators on the Tianlong must leave now. They cannot become sacrifices."
Fan Chen added, "If we take the cultivators on the Tianlong to Wang Chuan, once battle erupts, we will inevitably have to worry about their lives. We will be tied down and suffer a crushing defeat."
"Moreover, the Nether Ancestor Faction sent three Indestructible Infinite cultivators—the eldest master of the Meng Clan, Tan Tuo Di Zang, and Bao Yin Di Zang—to escort the sacrifices. This shows the value of this batch of sacrifices."
"Although we do not know what they are sacrificing at Bi Luo Pass, as long as we prevent them from completing the ritual and stop the sacrifices from arriving, we have already succeeded halfway."
Bao Zhu Di Zang seemed to have a strategy already prepared. Unhurriedly, she took out a translucent cyan pearl, holding it in her palm. "This is the Mirage Pearl, a treasure of the Earthly Wasteland. With it, I can replicate all the scenes on the Tianlong. As long as the other side does not board the Tianlong and their cultivation has not reached the Half-Ancestor realm, they will never see through it."
"Additionally, with Saint Si Qian Bei going ahead to scout Wang Chuan, identifying dangers and avoiding pitfalls, we can be absolutely certain of success."
The eldest master of the Meng Clan really did not want to go to Wang Chuan. He always felt that this group of people was crazy. Did they really think they could contend with the Eight Divisions Followers? Could they disrupt the Nether Ancestor Faction's grand plan?
It was like throwing an egg at a stone—utterly foolish.
But he had no choice now.
Having suffered from the Withering Death Art, his cultivation and strength had declined severely, unable to unleash Indestructible Infinite-level combat power.
According to Saint Si's old scoundrel's words, just using the Human Head Banner and waving it in front of him would cause the Withering Death Art to flare up again, leaving him powerless and at their mercy.
Miserable, too miserable.
The eldest master of the Meng Clan silently cursed the injustice of fate and the twists and turns of his future.
The eldest master of the Meng Clan spoke calmly, "The Heavenly Wasteland is vast, with few stars and a lack of spatial markers. Even with a star map, it is extremely difficult to find Wang Chuan. Someone must lead the way. Fortunately, the Meng Clan has been entrenched in the Heavenly Wasteland for many years. Meng Huang E and Meng Huang Ni have some understanding of Wang Chuan and can serve as guides for Saint Si Dao Chang."
Meng Huang E and Meng Huang Ni—one was a Great Unbound Infinite, the other a Qiankun Infinite peak. They were more than qualified to act as guides.
Zhang Ruochen looked at Huang Tian. "Hall Master Huang Tian, will you go to Bi Luo Pass or escort the cultivators on the Tianlong away?"
Huang Tian said, "The Lamp of Life and Death was taken from me—a great humiliation. Even if Bi Luo Pass is a dragon's den and a tiger's lair, I must go there and retrieve the divine artifact. Having taken the position of Stone God Hall's Hall Master, I cannot become the laughingstock of the world's cultivators."
Zhang Ruochen knew very well that Huang Tian and Xue Jue had the same temperament—once they decided something, no one could change it.
It was precisely this unwavering will that had allowed them to achieve such high accomplishments.
Zhang Ruochen said, "In that case, the escort mission can only be entrusted to Ci Hang Zun Zhe."
Ci Hang Zun Zhe stood five steps away, looking at Zhang Ruochen with an unusual expression.
She was holy and beautiful, with a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone. She questioned, "Saint Si Qian Bei has been unwilling to let me go to Bi Luo Pass all along, obstructing me at every turn. Why? Do you look down on Ci Hang's cultivation? Do you not trust Ci Hang? Or is there another reason?"
This tone of dissatisfaction and questioning was rare for her.
Fan Chen knew very well that Zhang Ruochen did not want Ci Hang Zun Zhe to wade into this muddy water because he wanted to protect her.
Because this journey was truly too dangerous.
But Zhang Ruochen had been so obvious about it, and Ci Hang Zun Zhe was so intelligent—would she not guess something?
"Amitabha! Zun Zhe, you misunderstand Saint Si Dao You! Zun Zhe, have you forgotten the purpose of your visit to the Heavenly Wasteland? Third Master Meng is afflicted with a curse and is on the verge of death. You should lead the many Buddhist cultivators on the Tianlong to go and treat him," Fan Chen said.
Hearing this, Ci Hang Zun Zhe finally showed a hesitant and contemplative expression.
Bao Zhu Di Zang laughed. "Dangerous tasks should naturally be done by us reckless ones. Saving people—a task that pleases and wins favor—is more suitable for Ci Hang Zun Zhe."
Zhang Ruochen's face turned cold, and he shot a warning glance at Bao Zhu Di Zang.
Had they just dealt with an enemy, and now she was already starting to clash again?
Zhang Ruochen said, "There may be other cultivators from the Nether Ancestor Faction on the Tianlong. An Indestructible Infinite must escort them to ensure safety. Zun Zhe, this task is yours alone."
"Very well, then Ci Hang will go to Wan Liu Jing first. After lifting the curse on Third Master Meng, I will rush to Bi Luo Pass as quickly as possible. Just as Hall Master Huang Tian said, he wants to reclaim the Lamp of Life and Death, and Ci Hang also wants to reclaim the Suo Luo World," Ci Hang Zun Zhe said.
Zhang Ruochen looked at Fan Chen, who was still hiding behind him. "Your Buddhist teachings are profound; you can certainly help. Go with the Zun Zhe to Wan Liu Jing."
Fan Chen understood Zhang Ruochen's intentions perfectly. He shook his head and laughed. "No! What if Bao Zhu Di Zang laughs at me?"
Bao Zhu Di Zang's laughter was as pleasant as an oriole's song. She praised, "Although the little monk is a bit shy, his courage is admirable. I like him very much."
Zhang Ruochen was mentally exhausted. Was everyone so unafraid of death?
Since that was the case, he would stop persuading.
"Since you like him so much, take him with you?" Zhang Ruochen said.
Bao Zhu Di Zang said, "I'm afraid he wouldn't dare."
Fan Chen knew that Zhang Ruochen wanted him to follow Bao Zhu Di Zang.
After all, Bao Zhu Di Zang's behavior was indeed too abnormal.
Everyone knew that going to Bi Luo Pass would most likely mean never returning. Zhang Ruochen, Ci Hang Zun Zhe, and Huang Tian all had reasons they could not avoid. She, on the other hand, seemed to be going just for the excitement.
Who would risk their life just for excitement?
Fan Chen puffed out his chest. "This little monk is not afraid of Di Zang, but he has not yet overcome his own heart. Traveling with Di Zang is a process of cultivating the mind, is it not?"
Tan Tuo Di Zang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke, his voice righteous: "I will follow my senior brother anyway."
"Senior brother?"
Bao Zhu Di Zang was surprised.
It should be noted that Tan Tuo Di Zang's senior brother was Di Zang Wang.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head and explained in a low voice, "He thinks Fan Chen is his senior brother. It might be a memory disorder, or perhaps when he was young, the Di Zang Wang he saw had the same temperament as Fan Chen."
Fan Chen pulled Tan Tuo Di Zang aside to whisper.
Huang Tian, meanwhile, returned to Bao Yin Di Zang's Divine Realm World and hid himself.
...
Half a day later, Zhang Ruochen, Tan Tuo Di Zang, and Meng Huang Ni disembarked from the Tianlong and headed alone into the dark and empty cosmic void.
Fan Chen had asked Tan Tuo Di Zang to protect Zhang Ruochen.
At the same time, Ci Hang Zun Zhe used her Buddhist Kingdom to contain all the cultivators on the Tianlong and, led by Meng Huang E and Meng Er Shi Ba, headed for the Meng Clan's cosmic secret realm—Wan Liu Jing.
The eldest master of the Meng Clan, Bao Yin Di Zang, Bao Zhu Di Zang, and Fan Chen stood at the bow of the Tianlong, continuing along the original route toward Wang Chuan.
The Mirage Pearl replicated all the scenes on the Tianlong.
They had split into three groups, each with its own responsibilities.
If they counted Xuan Yuan Di Er, who had returned to the Hell Realm to seek reinforcements, that would be four groups.
To stay ahead of the Tianlong and maintain distance, Zhang Ruochen asked Tan Tuo Di Zang to manifest his dozens-of-zhang-tall golden body, carrying him and Meng Huang Ni as they traveled at maximum speed.
An Indestructible Infinite peak "mount" was definitely much faster than the Tianlong.
Zhang Ruochen studied the seven chains he had pulled from Huang Tian's body, confirming that the one who had acted was indeed Lady Shiji.
But there was a big problem here.
The place where Huang Tian was ambushed was the Stone God Hall.
Shi Bei Ya was a Heavenly Venerable-rank cultivator. Could he really not sense the fluctuations of battle? Could he not sense the spatial fluctuations of the seven chains crossing through space?
"It seems the Stone Clan has completely fallen under Lady Shiji's control. The Dark Abyss defense line is in danger!"
Zhang Ruochen sighed.
Meng Huang Ni stood on Tan Tuo Di Zang's left shoulder, just like Zhang Ruochen. Seeing this mysterious and unfathomable Saint Si Dao Chang sigh, she could not help but look over.
Zhang Ruochen put away the seven chains. "Eighth Miss, I am curious. You and Seventh Miss are only one realm apart, yet your appearance and figure have aged so drastically. Why is that?"
"If you want to know the answer, please stop calling me Eighth Miss from now on. Seventh Sister likes being called that, but I do not." Meng Huang Ni said hoarsely, hunched over.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Then I will address you as Huang Ni Shen Zun."
"Whatever you wish."
Meng Huang Ni did not dwell on it and explained, "A cultivator's appearance and figure are absolutely related to their cultivation realm, but they are also somewhat connected to their cultivation technique, mindset, and thoughts. Most female cultivators love beauty and youth, so when choosing cultivation techniques and studying Dao methods, they naturally consider this aspect. My Seventh Sister and I have taken completely different paths."
Zhang Ruochen smiled. "It seems Seventh Miss is someone who loves beauty."
"Dao Chang, are you any different?" Meng Huang Ni retorted.
Zhang Ruochen was slightly taken aback. He looked at himself and then nodded with a smile. "Yes, yes, Huang Ni Shen Zun is absolutely right."
Zhang Ruochen's current appearance, though middle-aged, was extraordinary in bearing, with an immortal air and a refined demeanor. He was more charming than many young, handsome men.
Meng Huang Ni had been observing the cosmic void.
This place was completely different from the dazzling starry scenes of the Heavenly Court Universe and the Hell Realm. There were very few stars—only about a dozen visible in the entire field of view.
These were the coordinates in the starry sky!
But the coordinates were always moving, so finding a clear and correct path was not easy.
With the naked eye, cultivators could see most stars within a thousand light-years.
To see a star beyond a thousand light-years, that star would have to be exceptionally massive.
Before them was a completely unknown star domain. Only the Yellow Spring Star River and the Heavenly Court Universe behind them could serve as references to avoid losing direction.
But the Yellow Spring Star River was already very far away, looking like a dim yellow river stretching across the end of the universe.
That river contained billions of planets, countless great realms, and all the cultivators of the Ten Clans of Hell, including those powerful Half-Ancestors and Heavenly Venerables.
All beings were insignificant, mere cosmic dust.
Zhang Ruochen asked, "I heard from the eldest master that the Meng Clan's gods have long known about the legend of the Eight Divisions Followers? Huang Ni Shen Zun, can you tell me about it?"
Meng Huang Ni said, "This is no secret. Most legends are baseless, some exaggerated, and some fabricated by the authors. Since Dao Chang wants to know, I can tell it as a story... Huh..."
She sensed something.
Meng Huang Ni was highly alert. She immediately released her divine Qi and rules, staring intently at the starry sky to the right, ready to strike at any moment.
"Swoosh—"
About two hundred li away, a massive spatial light mirror appeared.
Like a full moon.
A stone pillar dozens of li long, like a ship flying sideways, slowly emerged from the spatial light mirror.
The stone pillar was a hundred meters in diameter, carved with a ferocious demon god.
It was one of the seventy-two Demon God Stone Pillars.
A man in a yellow martial robe stood tall and imposing at the very front of the stone pillar, his hands clasped behind his back. He looked at Tan Tuo Di Zang, Zhang Ruochen, and Meng Huang Ni with indifferent eyes.
It was a look of arrogance, born from confidence in his own powerful cultivation.
He looked at everyone as if they were fish swimming in a pond.
No matter how fast Tan Tuo Di Zang moved, the stone pillar's flight speed matched him perfectly.
Meng Huang Ni was shocked. She knew that the newcomer's cultivation was terrifying—at least Indestructible Infinite peak... No, being able to so effortlessly control the stone pillar to keep pace with Tan Tuo Di Zang meant he was at least a Heavenly Venerable.
Zhang Ruochen was also extremely surprised. Who would have thought that in this vast and boundless foreign land, he could still meet an old friend?
What a coincidence?
On the stone pillar, the burly man's thick beard was too conspicuous.
Was it not Shang Tian of the Paradise Realm?
"No, why would he come to the Heavenly Wasteland? The Eight Techniques of the Heavenly Wasteland, the 'Three Corpses Dao Refining'—could Shang Da Hu Zi have some connection to the Eight Divisions Followers of the Heavenly Wasteland?"
Zhang Ruochen thought of Shang Tian's cultivation technique and self-created divine abilities, and a strong curiosity arose within him.