Chapter 4158: Dragon Scales
"You want me to become a blade in your hand against the Divine Realm, just like Black-White Daoist and Xuanyuan the Second? That's too dangerous. Once the Eternal True Ruler's spiritual power locks onto me, I will surely die." Gai Mie stared intently at Zhang Ruochen, rapidly deducing various countermeasures in his mind.
The man before him, relying on a single bronze chime bell, could severely wound Murong Duiji. He could even hide beyond the three realms, evading the Eternal True Ruler's spiritual power.
He was no match for this person.
Defying this man's will would likely invite deadly calamity.
The best chance of survival was to feign compliance, pretend to agree first, then seek an opportunity to escape.
In his view, Zhang Ruochen and his group were madmen. Only madmen would dare oppose the Divine Realm.
Zhang Ruochen took out the Refining God Tower and said, "The Great Calamity is less than one eon away. Since you've gone into hiding, your cultivation speed will inevitably slow. By the time the Great Calamity arrives, you definitely won't reach the mid-stage Half-Ancestor level. Then, only annihilation awaits you."
Gai Mie remained silent.
Zhang Ruochen continued, "I was able to elevate the combat power of Black-White Daoist and Xuanyuan the Second to heights they couldn't have reached even after an eon, in an extremely short time. Naturally, I can grant you the same treatment."
"Whether it's the Great Calamity or the Minor Calamity, to the vast majority of cultivators in the universe, there's actually no difference."
"But you're different. You're a Half-Ancestor. You have one chance to choose. As long as you pledge allegiance to a powerful figure, at least there's a sliver of hope to survive."
"Even if that chance is extremely slim!"
Hearing this, Gai Mie's mind conjured the image of Zhang Ruochen.
He had rarely trusted anyone in his life, but Zhang Ruochen was an exception.
In his view, facing the Minor Calamity of the Immortal and the Great Calamity of the world's restart, Zhang Ruochen was the only Lord of the Future worth trusting and capable of handling it.
Unfortunately, Zhang Ruochen had died!
It was precisely because Zhang Ruochen died that almost no one in the Sword Realm trusted him anymore, so he had to leave.
Gai Mie said, "Comparatively, wouldn't pledging allegiance to the Divine Realm be a better choice? The Eternal True Ruler is highly respected, more powerful, and more trustworthy. Aside from the fact that my life is currently in your hands, I can't think of any reason to pledge allegiance to you, not even a dragon scale's worth."
Zhang Ruochen knew that to get someone like Gai Mie to risk his life, he had to offer tangible benefits. "I can elevate your combat power to the peak of the Half-Ancestor realm before the Great Calamity."
Seeing Gai Mie still hesitating, Zhang Ruochen added, "What you fear is the Immortal behind the Divine Realm, right? But have you considered this: given the combat power that Immortal has displayed, controlling the Seventy-Two Layer Tower and even suppressing the Nether Ancestor, why hasn't he joined forces with the Eternal True Ruler to sweep across the universe and clear all obstacles? Why does he still remain hidden in the shadows?"
"Why?" Gai Mie asked.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head. "I don't know! But at the very least, this shows that the Divine Realm is not invincible. That Immortal is still wary of something. Knowing this is enough. With this knowledge, I have full confidence to play a game against the Divine Realm and refuse to let them have complete control over the discourse."
Gai Mie said, "Can you really help me elevate my combat power to the peak of the Half-Ancestor realm?"
Zhang Ruochen smiled. "You underestimate the ability of an Ancestor! Other cultivators might be rotten wood that cannot be carved, but you, Gai Mie, are a figure who could dominate a region even in the chaotic era of demons running rampant. For someone like you, in this era of loosened heavenly and earthly rules, with the help of an Ancestor, if you can't even reach the peak of the Half-Ancestor realm..."
In the clouds, an enormous dragon body loomed, appearing and disappearing.
The voice of Dragon Scales, the chief of the Doomsday Priests, was ancient and hoarse, emanating from the clouds: "Is it the Heavenly Demon?"
The Second Confucian Ancestor gently shook his head. "He first used the power of curses and then the power of Myriad Forms Formless. These two powers belong to the Nether Ancestor and the Dark Sovereign respectively, clearly to conceal his identity. Without a true confrontation, it's impossible to determine his identity."
Dragon Scales said, "Cultivating Xuanyuan the Second and Black-White Daoist to oppose the Divine Realm, the goal is to prevent the construction of the Heavenly Earth Altar. This must be nipped in the bud. Otherwise, if Corpse Demon, Hongmeng Black Dragon, Dark Sovereign, and even those Heavenly Venerable-rank and Half-Ancestor figures hiding in the shadows get involved, the consequences would be unimaginable."
"Even if he hides deeply and cannot be found, at the very least, Xuanyuan the Second and Black-White Daoist must be beheaded as a warning to the world."
The Second Confucian Ancestor asked, "What do you intend to do?"
"Since their target is the Doomsday Priests, they will surely strike again," Dragon Scales said.
The Second Confucian Ancestor nodded gently. "After the Nether Ancestor's death, the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom has been at the forefront. It appears radiant and splendid, but in reality, it is being watched by forces from all corners of the universe. Once I leave the Formless Realm, someone will surely attack the Heavenly Kingdom. This matter can only be entrusted to you."
"Hua!" The Second Confucian Ancestor raised his right hand and grasped at the space.
A star-moon formation diagram appeared and flew toward Dragon Scales in the clouds.
He said, "When you encounter that person, unfold this diagram, and it will be enough to escape. Instruct the great priests to restrain the Doomsday Priests more. They have indeed been too reckless these past years, inviting this calamity. They have only themselves to blame."
A dragon roar echoed from the clouds.
The enormous dragon body moved swiftly and disappeared into the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom.
The Divine Martial Envoys "Wuying" and "Wuyan," clad in white robes, arrived outside the Heavenly Round Divine Mansion.
Wuying said, "Although Dragon Scales' cultivation is high, killing Xuanyuan the Second and Black-White Daoist is no easy task. As time passes, the matter of the Bone God Temple will gradually ferment. Those cultivators hiding in the shadows who wish to deal with the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom will all help them. In the universe, there are too many people who need such two reckless blades!"
The Second Confucian Ancestor's eyes were wise and profound. "Then let Xuanyuan Taizhen and that Supreme Elder of the Yama Clan clean up the mess for the Xuanyuan Clan and the Hell Realm. Give them three years to kill Xuanyuan the Second and Black-White Daoist. Send this Ancestral Decree."
"After three years, if Xuanyuan the Second and Black-White Daoist are still alive, the two of them must come to the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom to accept punishment."
"Furthermore, the main altar of the Hell Realm has been destroyed. The Yama Clan will oversee its reconstruction, and all required resources will be provided by the Ghost Clan. If the overall progress of the Heavenly Earth Altar is delayed, the Yama Clan and the Ghost Clan will be held jointly responsible."
After Wuying and Wuyan left with the Ancestral Decree, heading to the Heavenly Court and the Yama Heavenly Outer Heaven respectively, the Second Confucian Ancestor sensed something and walked out of the Heavenly Round Divine Mansion, gazing toward the Desolate Universe.
The aura of Lady Shiji disappeared in the Desolate Universe.
At the same time, another heavenly intuition came from the Heavenly Court Universe. Passing through layers of space and star seas, he saw Xuanyuan Lian, Cihang Venerable, and Shang Tian returning to the Heavenly Palace.
"Someone has finally returned from the Biluo Pass! Is it a coincidence? Has Haotian truly fallen?"
The Second Confucian Ancestor muttered to himself, pondered for a moment, and ultimately did not project a clone to inquire. Instead, he sent a decree to the Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord in the Heavenly Court Universe.
Then, the Second Confucian Ancestor's body dissipated, turning into a cloud of white mist.
No one knew that the figure in the Heavenly Round Divine Mansion was merely a clone.
Yin Yuanchen, carrying a war sword, descended like lightning onto a cosmic rock several thousand meters long.
Chi Kunlun, clad in a black martial robe, stood upright, already waiting there.
"I've confirmed it. One of the five great priests, Hongchen, is most likely your sister Zhang Hongchen. She did not die in the Seventy-Two Layer Tower," Yin Yuanchen said.
Chi Kunlun said, "If so, then she must know who controlled the Seventy-Two Layer Tower to suppress the Nether Ancestor. And that person must be from the Divine Realm. No, that's not right..."
"What's not right?" Yin Yuanchen asked.
Chi Kunlun said, "How could such an important secret be so easily discovered by you? Have you already defected? Are you using this as bait to achieve some ulterior motive?"
Yin Yuanchen smiled darkly. "If I have defected, what can you do to me? Are you a match for me?"
Chi Kunlun's pupils contracted, and the Six Paths Reincarnation seal began to spin within them.
"If he's not enough, what about adding us?"
Behind Yin Yuanchen, a spatial wormhole about a zhang in diameter opened.
Chi Kongle and Yan Ying'er emerged from it, both exuding the might of the Indestructible Infinite realm.
Yin Yuanchen remained calm but dropped his smile. "Who controlled the Seventy-Two Layer Tower? Is he from the Divine Realm? Is this something you can meddle in? What you need to do most now is find Zhang Hongchen and bring her back to the Sword Realm. She is in great danger now."
"You must already know about the Bone God Temple incident. Including Murong Huan, seven Doomsday Priests have died. As a great priest, how could Zhang Hongchen escape unscathed?"
"Where is Yan Wushen?"
Suddenly, Yin Yuanchen asked this question.
Chi Kunlun remained silent, staring at him, trying to see through Yin Yuanchen's heart.
Yin Yuanchen smoothed his long hair, a hint of mockery in his smile. "It seems that behind Xuanyuan the Second and Black-White Daoist is not Corpse Demon! Yan Wushen has likely gone to find Corpse Demon. Are you preparing to cooperate with the one behind Xuanyuan the Second and Black-White Daoist?"
Chi Kunlun said, "Are you afraid?"
"Why should I be afraid?"
"You say Hongchen is in danger, but aren't you the same? If the Corpse Demon faction cooperates with that person, the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom's transcendent status will be precarious."
Yin Yuanchen shook his head. "I would be very happy to see the situation develop in the direction you describe. The more chaotic the world, the better. The true power of the Divine Realm must be forced out. Only then can we tear off the sacred and immaculate exterior of the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom and reveal its true face."
"Only when everything is laid out in the open can we know how to respond, can we know what we are doing is right."
"Otherwise, we might be used without even realizing it."
"By the way, there's another secret. Dragon Scales, the chief of the Doomsday Priests, is extremely interested in the Dragon Nest. Tell the Dragon Lord to be wary."
"This storm will eventually spread to the Sword Realm! Or rather, the Sword Realm is the center of all storms. We are all just small figures."
Zhang Ruochen and Divine Lord Heqing walked out of the Bone Gate.
Gai Mie remained hidden within Divine Lord Heqing's Divine Realm World, refining Wuxing's divine source. Zhang Ruochen had merely struck Wuxing into his body, helping him complete the most crucial step.
"From now on, Divine Lord Heqing will be my envoy, equal in status to the Death Great Protector," Zhang Ruochen said.
Black-White Daoist was stunned.
In just one hour, her status had become higher than her own master's?
On what basis?
Mingye Divine Lord stared at Divine Lord Heqing, who was following behind Zhang Ruochen with her head lowered, filled with countless questions.
Zhang Ruochen offered no explanation. He looked at Black-White Daoist and asked, "You killed six Doomsday Priests. You have their treasures, right?"
Black-White Daoist immediately summoned the Soul Suppressing Hall. All the spoils from the Bone God Temple battle were stored in the small world within the hall. Entering the Soul Suppressing Hall, Zhang Ruochen saw a mother tree of the Longevity Blood Tree.
This mother tree had grown for who knows how many eons. The trunk's diameter was thirty li long, and its branches and leaves could cover a small planet.
"This is the mother tree of the Longevity Blood Tree from the Disaster Heaven Tribe of the Undying Blood Clan. It was extorted by the Doomsday Priest Jin Changfeng, and the great tribal chief of the Disaster Heaven Tribe didn't dare to say a word."
"Your Excellency, look, this is the town-suppressing divine artifact of the Shura Clan's Hundred Kill Divine Temple, the Blood Sea Earth Tribulation Blade. It was seized by the Doomsday Priest Qin Zhan. Because of old grudges, he also destroyed the Hundred Kill Divine Temple. Who knows how many Shura cultivators died in that battle."
"Many of these Doomsday Priests have a vengeful mentality, which is why they joined the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom. With a backer and power, they can retaliate wantonly and satisfy their inner desires. Killing them is their own fault."
"It can be said that the Eternal True Ruler, to avoid revealing the Divine Realm's true power and to have people to use, accepts and employs anyone. Does such a person truly have such high virtue?"
"Of course, a small number of Doomsday Priests genuinely believe in the Eternal True Ruler, thinking only he can lead the myriad beings of the universe to withstand the Great Calamity."
"As a Spiritual Power Ancestor, making cultivators believe in him and follow him sincerely is an easy task."
Zhang Ruochen made no judgment. Seeing the Soul Suppressing Banner standing in the hall, he turned his gaze to Black-White Daoist.
"The Ghost Lord voluntarily returned it! He knows when to yield. I spared his life."
Black-White Daoist immediately added, "Your Excellency, our top priority now is to find the escaped Murong Duiji and kill him. I suggest we target the Murong Clan."
Zhang Ruochen raised his hand to stop him. "No!"
Xuanyuan the Second glanced at Black-White Daoist with disdain. "Murong Duiji is Murong Duiji, the Murong Clan is the Murong Clan. Buddha is merciful. How can we harm the innocent?"
Black-White Daoist was momentarily speechless, silently cursing. Having already raised the butcher's knife, what was this talk of Buddha's mercy?
Zhang Ruochen saw through Black-White Daoist's thoughts. "We do not claim to be sacred and great. Everything is for the goal. Murong Duiji has already been struck by the Withering Death Art curse. He won't dare to show himself for a short time. He's essentially half-crippled. Our goal has been achieved."
"Let's go to the Heavenly Court first. It's time to meet Xuanyuan Taizhen and the Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord."
Hearing this, Zhuo Wenzhen's face changed drastically. Do you believe me?"
Gai Mie's stern and icy face finally broke into a smile. "If you can help me absorb Wuxing's Dao techniques and cultivation in a short time, then I will believe you."
Believe?
How could an old demon like him believe Zhang Ruochen's mere words? How could he willingly be used?
What he believed in was Haotian.
He believed that the successor chosen by Haotian was a man with principles and bottom lines.
What he believed in was the benefits that the "Life and Death Heavenly Venerable" could give him.
The Divine Martial Envoy "Wuxing" was a Heavenly Soul Alien Ghost. Logically, Ghost Clan cultivators would find it easier to absorb.
But Gai Mie was different. The demonic path itself was a domineering path known for "devouring." Back then, Gai Mie had devoured the soul fire of the Xiongxiao Demon God Hall to restore his cultivation.
He had even devoured the Desolate Moon and refined it into a demon pill. However, due to circumstances, he had to hand over the Desolate Moon, losing the chance to greatly increase his combat power.
In short, when demonic cultivation reached a certain height, it could devour almost anything. It was one of the most important supreme sacred paths derived from the Path of Darkness.
Gai Mie was willing to devour Wuxing, and Zhang Ruochen was happy to support it. Because this way, there would be no room for turning back between Gai Mie and the Divine Realm.
The highest realm of Lihentian, the Formless Realm. Empty of everything, colorless and boundless.
Here, the Second Confucian Ancestor established the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom. Strong individuals and talents from all major forces in the universe gathered here, making the Formless Realm lively.
This Eternal Heavenly Kingdom was the Ancestral Realm of the Second Confucian Ancestor. It consisted of floating black-and-white continents, each exactly ninety thousand li in length and width, arranged like pieces on a chessboard.
It was a transcendent formation.
Back then, even the two Ancestors, Hongmeng Black Dragon and Corpse Demon, could not break it together.
The Second Confucian Ancestor resided at the center of the Heavenly Kingdom, in a place called the Heavenly Round Divine Mansion.
He had white hair but a youthful face, full of immortal aura. His beard was a foot long. Withdrawing his gaze from the Santu River region, he said, "Such a formidable concealment technique! Even if I went there in person, I might not be able to find him."