Chapter 4152: Reunion
The Emperor Talisman was refined by the Primordial Ancestor Murong Bukan.
Although it was a single talisman, it later gave birth to spiritual intelligence, embarked on the path of cultivation, and became the strongest of an era.
When one’s spiritual power is cultivated to the ninety-fifth level, they can be titled a Primordial Ancestor.
Murong Bukan’s spiritual power, however, defied the heavens and reached the ninety-sixth level, achieving a qualitative leap and entering another realm. His talisman mastery was hailed as the number one through the ages. The “Emperor Talisman” was his pinnacle work.
Countless years have passed, and the Primordial Ancestor talisman patterns within the Emperor Talisman have inevitably decayed, no longer what they once were. However, for a being with a spiritual power of Heaven Round Lack, it remains an extraordinary battle treasure.
Luo Sha took out the Emperor Talisman.
The form of the Emperor Talisman was a foot-tall white jade figurine.
Her slender, soft fingers caressed the white jade figurine, and in an instant, countless thoughts surged within her heart.
This was the most precious treasure Zhang Ruochen had left her!
Seeing the Emperor Talisman, Murong Huan’s eyes brightened slightly. He said, “I request that Luo Nüdi return the Murong Clan’s ancestral treasure.”
Luo Sha raised her eyes and glanced at him indifferently. “When did the Emperor Talisman become the Murong Clan’s ancestral treasure? This talisman was gifted by Di Chen during his lifetime and has no relation to the Murong Clan.”
Murong Huan had long anticipated that Luo Yi would not easily hand it over. He said, “The whole world knows that since ancient times, the Emperor Talisman has been…”
“The whole world knows that the Annihilation Bell was the possession of Bai Shenzun of the Goddess Twelve Pavilions. Bai Shenzun gave it to Di Chen, who temporarily stored it with the Fourth Confucian Ancestor. Di Chen stated before his death that if anything happened to him, I should retrieve the Annihilation Bell.”
Luo Sha’s gaze fell on the bronze chime in Murong Huan’s hand. “How about Clan Leader Murong first hand over the Annihilation Bell to me?”
The bronze chime in Murong Huan’s hand was slightly larger than the one held by Ghost Lord, indicating his higher status among the Doomsday Priests.
How could Murong Huan believe such nonsense?
Even if the Annihilation Bell were to be reclaimed, it should be Bai Qinger who steps forward, not you, Luo Sha?
Murong Huan’s confidence was strong. “I dare to give it, but does Luo Sha Nüdi dare to take it? There are nearly ten Doomsday Envoys at the Bone God Temple. Is the Nüdi planning to take their Annihilation Bells one by one as well?”
“Thank you, Clan Leader Murong. I’ll accept this Annihilation Bell!” Luo Yi said.
At this moment, Murong Huan finally realized that Luo Yi had led him into her rhythm.
He had come to demand the Emperor Talisman.
How had it turned into Luo Yi demanding the Annihilation Bell from him?
If he truly handed the Annihilation Bell to Luo Sha, it would be equivalent to telling everyone that Luo Sha had ownership rights over the Annihilation Bell. This would also offend all the Doomsday Envoys and put the Eternal Kingdom in an awkward and difficult position.
Murong Huan let out a deep laugh. “I’ve long heard that Luo Sha Nüdi looks down on everyone, holds herself in high regard, and never takes the cultivators of the Eternal Kingdom seriously. Seeing you today, the rumors are indeed true.”
“You’re wrong. I simply don’t take you seriously,” Luo Sha said.
Having reached this point of open hostility, how could Murong Huan still have the mind to reason with Luo Sha?
The time rules of heaven and earth converged toward his fingers.
“Roar!”
With a palm strike, a massive Bixie beast formed from time rules lunged at Luo Sha, its claws bared, surrounded by countless streams of time.
“Finally angered him.”
A smile curled at the corner of Luo Yi’s lips as she activated the Emperor Talisman.
Instantly, dense black dots appeared within the white jade figurine.
Each black dot was a Primordial Ancestor talisman pattern.
“Boom!”
These black dots erupted, transforming into countless talisman imprints that shattered the Bixie beast and sent Murong Huan crashing through the divine ship’s formation, falling onto the wilderness below.
The earth sank, trembling violently.
From all directions in the surrounding heaven and earth, countless divine eyes turned to look this way.
Countless tens of thousands of Primordial Ancestor talisman patterns enveloped Luo Yi’s curvaceous, exquisite body. She stood on the green jade platform, looking down at the furious Murong Huan below. “Attacking at the slightest disagreement, Murong Huan, with such a temperament, you truly disgrace Dui Ji Banzu by being the clan leader of the Murong Clan.”
“I came to the Bone God Temple to represent the Rakshasa Clan and discuss the construction of the Hell Realm’s main altar with the Doomsday Envoys. I don’t want any unnecessary trouble. I won’t hold this against you today!”
How could Murong Huan have expected that with Murong Dui Ji as his powerful backing, and the Eternal Kingdom’s overwhelming influence across the universe, Luo Sha, a mere junior, would dare to offend him?
Had Luo Sha not considered the consequences of offending him?
With such momentum, shouldn’t the Emperor Talisman have been his for the taking?
A miscalculation!
It was indeed he who had been provoked into striking first, turning a justified action into an indefensible one.
Building the Heaven and Earth Altar was the top priority. By bringing this up, Luo Sha was telling him that if the altar’s construction encountered any issues because of him, he would be held accountable.
Continuing the conflict would only lead to mutual destruction.
Murong Huan quickly regained his composure, ignoring the gazes from the divine ships all around. “Everyone says Luo Yi Nüdi is exceptionally intelligent, and with you leading the Rakshasa Clan, it will surely prosper. But seeing you today, I realize it’s just petty cleverness, lacking true wisdom. For the sake of a talisman, you’ve placed the entire Rakshasa Clan in danger… Hmph…”
“Swish! Swish!”
Two Doomsday Priests crossed space and landed beside Murong Huan.
One was Yongzhou Mingsha, a former war god of the Bone Clan, and the other was Zhuo Yunzhen, daughter of Dizu Shenjun.
Yongzhou Mingsha asked, “Need help?”
Murong Huan waved his hand. “After all, she is the Nüdi of the Rakshasa Clan. Openly snatching it would leave a handle for criticism, even if the Emperor Talisman originally belongs to the Murong Clan.”
“Moreover, Luo Yi’s spiritual power has reached the ninetieth level. With the Emperor Talisman in hand, even the three of us together cannot defeat her.”
Zhuo Yunzhen, wearing a veil, said softly, “Then we’ll wait for Wuxing Daren to come and seek justice.”
Wuxing was one of the four Divine Martial Envoys of the Eternal Kingdom, a Heavenly Venerable-level powerhouse.
Of course, now they could only be called the three Divine Martial Envoys, since Wushi had died in the Gray Sea.
Yongzhou Mingsha said, “With Wuxing Daren stepping in, he will surely retrieve the Emperor Talisman from Luo Yi Nüdi and return it to its rightful owner.”
Having someone else retrieve it was entirely different from retrieving it himself. Murong Huan did not want to be seen as useless by Dui Ji Banzu. A sinister glint flashed in his eyes. “Just retrieving the Emperor Talisman would be letting her off too easily. I’ll settle both old and new scores with her.”
The new score was, of course, the humiliation of being knocked off the divine ship by Luo Sha with a single strike.
The old score was transferring his hatred for Zhang Ruochen onto Luo Sha.
“She threatened me with the construction of the altar earlier, and every god at the Bone God Temple heard it. On the surface, she gained the upper hand, and I swallowed my pride, losing all face.”
Murong Huan laughed. “But this also means that if anything goes wrong with the altar’s construction, the Rakshasa Clan will be held responsible. Just wait and see. This time, even if she kneels and begs, it won’t help. I want the Rakshasa Clan annihilated!”
Yongzhou Mingsha and Zhuo Yunzhen’s expressions changed.
Murong Huan was too ruthless, with no bottom line in his revenge. If he truly annihilated the Rakshasa Clan, wouldn’t that force Tianmu to emerge? Could they bear such consequences?
Seeing through their thoughts, Murong Huan sneered inwardly. “Not only will the Rakshasa Clan be destroyed, but Tianmu must also die. This time, the goal is to force Tianmu out!”
Murong Huan had received news that Tianmu had comprehended the “Endless Path” from the Houtu Marriage Robe and had already formed the outline of a Primordial Ancestor mark.
This was equivalent to opening the door to the Primordial Ancestor realm!
How could such a threat be allowed to survive before proving the Primordial Ancestor path?
Although Murong Dui Ji had not explicitly stated it, only telling him to “retrieve the Emperor Talisman, using any means necessary,” Murong Huan, having lived for over a million years, could easily grasp the deeper meaning.
A mere Emperor Talisman was not enough for Dui Ji Banzu to care so deeply about—
Guyi Jing watched as Murong Huan, Yongzhou Mingsha, and Zhuo Yunzhen disappeared in the direction of the Bone God Temple. “Murong Huan has controlled the Time Divine Temple for many years; he is no fool. I have a bad feeling!”
Luo Sha’s eyes sparkled with a smile. “He could instantly calm down from anger, acting arrogantly first and then restraining himself. This shows he must have other plans, not just the Emperor Talisman.”
Zhuque Huowu said worriedly, “Nüdi, why be so tough? The Murong Clan’s power is immense. Enduring for a while could save a lot of trouble.”
“Can enduring alone make the other side give up their goal? Taking a step back may not lead to a broader sky; it could also mean the other side’s encroachment.”
Luo Sha shook her head, looking at the Emperor Talisman in her hand. “Besides, this talisman was given to me by him. I will never hand it over to anyone!”
Guyi Jing said, “The one presiding over this altar-building gathering is Wuxing, one of the four Divine Martial Envoys. If Murong Huan asks him to intervene, can you keep the Emperor Talisman? How about I stay here, and you return to the Rakshasa Clan first?”
Luo Sha maintained a calm and composed demeanor, as if holding all the cards. “Wuxing is Murong Dui Ji’s direct subordinate. When he arrives at the Bone God Temple, he will definitely force me to hand over the Emperor Talisman. But if Murong Huan dies before that, wouldn’t that temporarily solve the problem?”
Zhuque Huowu was horrified. How could such words be spoken so casually?
What if Murong Dui Ji, or even the Eternal True Ruler, found out?
Not far away, Xuanyuan Second, sitting on a chair, coughed dryly. “It seems I’ve heard something I shouldn’t have. Let’s go!”
“Let’s go!”
Xuanyuan Second, Zhang Ruochen, and Lian Xi immediately left the divine ship.
The few women on the green jade platform paid no attention to their departure.
Xia Yu said, “Now, with so many experts at the Bone God Temple, killing an Indestructible Infinite without being noticed is no easy task. It’s too risky! If things go wrong, it will bring a huge disaster.”
“Of course, we won’t do it ourselves. There is a way to kill silently.”
Luo Sha handed a drop of blood to Xia Yu.
It was the blood she had collected after wounding Murong Huan earlier.
“Yu Huang, go see Chi Kunlun. If the Shiyan faction can curse-kill Murong Huan, the Lower Three Clans will believe their sincerity and no longer oppose the Hell Realm’s alliance with them.”
The Santu River region was the stronghold of the Middle Three Clans and also the most central part of the entire Hell Realm, where the most undead cultivators gathered.
In fact, many years ago, to band together for warmth, the divine cities, divine temples, Primordial Ancestor realms, and cultivators above the Great God level of the Middle Three Clans had relocated to the Abyss of Darkness defense line and the Starry Sky Battlefield.
The reason various clan gods had gathered here recently was all because of the “Altar-Building Gathering.”
Among the 129,600 Heaven and Earth Altars, four were main altars. The main altar located in the Hell Realm was sited at “Wangu Cave,” very close to the ruins of the Bone God Temple. For this reason, the Bone Clan gods had to move the Bone God Temple back here.
After all, the site selection for the main altar was personally done by the Eternal True Ruler.
Who dared to say a single “no”?
The Altar-Building Gathering was to lay the foundation for the main altar, requiring massive resources, and the Ten Clans of Hell had to cooperate fully.
Xia Yu specialized in the Blood Sea Heavenly Path and the Wind Path, with exceptional stealth skills. She transformed into an invisible wind current, moving away from the Bone God Temple and into the endless bone sea wilderness.
Just as she recondensed her body and glanced at the Santu River, her expression changed.
Right in front of her, on the river’s surface, floated a small green wooden boat about a zhang long. On the boat sat two figures.
The wooden boat seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, or perhaps it had been floating there all along.
Before recondensing her body, Xia Yu had carefully observed and was certain there could be no other cultivators nearby. It was even more impossible for a wooden boat to be there without her noticing.
This scene was too eerie.
The wind blew, and the boat moved.
The small green wooden boat drew closer, and the outlines of the two figures on it became very familiar.
One was a Daoist.
The other was a woman completely shrouded in a black robe.
Xia Yu held a scythe, standing among the white bones and scattered rocks on the shore, sneering. “Where is Erjia Tianwang?”
“Erjia Tianwang has gone to invite a guest. He’ll be here soon.”
Zhang Ruochen sat steadily on the wooden boat, taking the steaming tea handed to him by Lian Xi.
He took a sip and made a gesture of invitation. “How about coming aboard for a cup?”
The boat and Xia Yu were about five or six zhang apart.
The ripples on the river constantly lapped against the layers of white bone remains on the shore, the sound of water faint.
Xia Yu did not approach. “You really are a hidden master. I thought my stealth technique could fool even an Indestructible Infinite, yet you intercepted me here. You are not elders of the Xuanyuan Clan. Who are you really? What do you want?”
Zhang Ruochen placed the delicate teacup back on the low table. “I want to know all the details of the Red Crow King’s assassination of Blood Absolute Clan Leader five hundred years ago.”
“So it’s about the clan leader again.”
Xia Yu secretly circulated her divine Qi, and the burial cloth on her body emitted strands of Primordial Ancestor blood energy, ready to flee at any moment. “Ten years ago, after the clan leader was severely injured by that unknown expert’s self-detonation of his divine source, he went into hiding to recover. No one knows where he is. If you want to get the clan leader’s whereabouts from me, you’re wasting your effort.”
Over the years, Blood Absolute Clan Leader had suffered dozens of assassination attempts, large and small, some of which nearly killed him.
Some were for the Primordial Ancestor Blood Wings, some for the Thunder Altar and the Thunder Clan’s Primordial Ancestor realm.
More often, there were always those who believed Di Chen was not dead and thought that killing Blood Absolute would force Di Chen out.
Xia Yu was the only one who knew where Blood Absolute Clan Leader was hiding. She knew she would eventually be targeted. But even if she died, she would keep the secret.
On the small green wooden boat, the Daoist’s voice suddenly changed, becoming younger. “Xia Yu, I came to ask you because you are rational and restrained enough to keep a secret.”
Xia Yu trembled all over, as if struck by lightning.
That was… his voice.
The Daoist’s face changed, becoming Zhang Ruochen’s appearance.
Xia Yu’s killing intent grew stronger, her blood energy fiercer, her voice seeming to squeeze through her teeth. “Who are you really? Why are you pretending to be him? Do you think you can fool me like this?”
The blood energy emanating from her dyed the Santu River red.
Lian Xi removed her purple gauze hat, revealing her true face. “Why would Di Chen need to deceive you? With your cultivation, I could easily perform a soul search, let alone Di Chen Daren.”
“Fake, you’re all fake. Di Chen has long fallen…” Xia Yu kept shaking her head, stepping back.
Zhang Ruochen was extremely calm. “This world has too many falsehoods and deceptions, but some things have truly happened, absolute facts that no one can deceive you about.”
“Whoosh!”
Zhang Ruochen waved his sleeve.
Xia Yu, panicked and uneasy, retreated left and right, but all around her were water curtains. On the water curtains appeared scenes known only to a few. Some of them were known only to her and Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen’s voice came from outside the water surface. “I discussed this plan of my supposed death with Grandfather long ago. He stands in the open, bearing all kinds of storms. This is a life-and-death game for me, and also for him.”
“To fight against Primordial Ancestors and to play chess with the Immortals, I must shed my shell and hide in the shadows, or else I have no chance of winning.”
After who knows how long, the water curtains dispersed.
Xia Yu stood on the shore, staring intently at the figure on the small green wooden boat, locking eyes with him, her whole body trembling.
That face, those eyes, were just as before.
Xia Yu was not a cultivator with a fragile heart; on the contrary, she was extremely resilient.
But this matter came too suddenly, like a heavy punch straight to the heart. She couldn’t tell whether shock or joy was greater.
Thinking of her current appearance, all her joy turned gray. She spoke as if she had long wanted to confide in someone. “So many things have happened over the years! Bai Cangxing was taken by an unknown existence. As the tomb keeper of the gods, I am unforgivably guilty.”
Zhang Ruochen comforted her. “The Bai Cang Blood Soil contained in Bai Cangxing and the remains of the Undying Blood Clan’s gods throughout the ages have long been coveted by the world’s strong. Even Primordial Ancestors would be tempted. How could you possibly guard it? Don’t blame yourself. It’s good that you’re alive.”
As if the pillar of the household had returned, Xia Yu poured out all the grievances and helplessness of these years, one by one. “Luozu Cloud Mountain Realm was swallowed whole by an unknown strongman, and the fate of all cultivators inside is unknown. Only Guyi Tianjun and a few others were in the Rakshasa Divine City at the time and narrowly escaped with their lives.”
Luozu Cloud Mountain Realm was formed from the body of the Demon Ancestor, and its value to Banzu and Primordial Ancestors eager to recover their cultivation was extraordinary.
Being able to swallow it whole meant at least a mid-stage Banzu cultivation.
“The Shura Battle Soul Sea was also stolen, and to this day, no one knows who did it.”
Tears welled in Xia Yu’s eyes. “Over the years, the Lower Three Clans… or rather, all the major forces in the universe, have struggled. Not only must we guard against the Banzu and Primordial Ancestors hiding in the shadows, but we also have to deal with the Divine Martial Envoys and Doomsday Priests of the Eternal Kingdom on the surface. These people seize and plunder recklessly, extremely arrogant.”
“You can’t blame us. If we weren’t aggressive and forceful, if we didn’t unite all sides to counter the Eternal Kingdom, we would have been devoured long ago. We can’t just keep being bullied without fighting back, can we?”
“Before coming to the Bone God Temple, we had already made our decision. We didn’t expect to survive. If we die, the Lower Three Clans will have other cultivators to take our place.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “On Zhuque Huowu’s divine ship, I wasn’t blaming you. I said that because I was worried about your safety. Since I’m back, you can make as much noise as you want. Even if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.”