Chapter 566: Chapter 566

When he saw Lu Xuanji again, Zhouyang could clearly sense that Lu’s time was nearing its end.

It was not just because his appearance had become much older compared to when they were in the "Dome Heaven Immortal Realm," but more importantly, there was a decaying, withering aura beginning to emanate from him.

Zhouyang was not unfamiliar with this aura. In the past, when the elders of the Zhou Family reached the end of their lifespan and were near death, this aura would always appear on them.

The difference was that Lu Xuanji, as a Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortal" cultivator, showed this aura a few years earlier than those Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment Cultivators who only exhibited it a few days before their death.

Zhouyang did not know what had happened to Lu Xuanji.

He remembered the other party mentioning in the "Dome Heaven Immortal Realm" that he still had over a hundred years of lifespan left. Logically, it should not have appeared so quickly.

However, this was ultimately a private matter of the other party, and probing into the private affairs of a cultivator with higher cultivation than oneself was definitely not a good idea.

Thus, he said nothing, merely beckoning a few juniors to come forward with him to pay their respects and then obediently followed Lu Xuanji’s instructions.

"It’s about time, let’s set off."

On a certain peak outside Zhenyue Immortal City, after meeting Zhouyang and his group who came to gather, Lu Xuanji’s gaze lingered briefly on the master-disciple pair of Zhouyang and Lu Xuewei, then he waved his sleeve and released a cyan flying ship, capturing everyone onto the vessel.

As for Yin Hanguang, the Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, he naturally entered the flying ship on his own initiative.

Lu Xuanji’s flying ship was a Tier Five Top-Grade Flying Spiritual Artifact, and under the propulsion of a Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortal" cultivator like him, it flew several times faster than Zhouyang’s cloud-riding flight, capable of traveling hundreds of thousands of miles in a day.

Moreover, unlike Zhouyang, who had to cautiously and meticulously conceal his tracks while traversing the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, Lu Xuanji had no intent of hiding his traces, directly controlling the flying ship to soar into the sky, entering the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm" beyond the sky.

Above 7,000 zhang in the Spirit Realm was also known as the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm," where the perpetual "Nine Heavens Gang Wind" could erode and kill Golden Core Stage cultivators; only Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators could linger there for an extended period.

After successfully forming his core, Zhouyang had once, out of curiosity, flown to such heights, only to retreat after less than a quarter of an hour in the gang wind layer formed by the "Nine Heavens Gang Wind," not daring to easily venture into that region thereafter.

However, the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm," which he dared not venture into easily, did not pose any difficulty for a Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortal" like Lu Xuanji, who moved effortlessly through it.

Amidst the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm," looking downward through the cyan protective shield of the flying ship, the expanse was filled with a sea of white clouds.

Occasionally, peaks floated above the sea of clouds, revealing mountaintops; those peaks were at least 3,000 zhang high, each a Tier Five Spirit Mountain at minimum.

On those spirit mountains, high-tier demon beasts noticed the cyan flying ship soaring above the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm," but they only watched from afar, not daring at all to reveal themselves and attack the cyan flying ship.

High-tier demon beasts possessed considerable wisdom; they knew well that the flying ships maneuvering in the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm" were not entities they could provoke. If they dared to show themselves and attack, they would not even know how they died.

Of course, they did not do nothing at all; at the very least, they used communication spiritual artifacts issued by demon kings to report to the Tier Six Demon Kings what they had observed.

However, generally speaking, as long as the passing Nascent Soul Stage cultivators continued to fly within the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm" and did not harm the middle-to-low tier demon beasts in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, the Tier Six Demon Kings typically would not interfere with such matters.

Despite this, Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators who dared to openly traverse the Broken Cloud Mountain Range like Lu Xuanji were still not common; for example, when Yin Hanguang, a Mid-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator, came from the Land of the Far West to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, he did not dare to be so high-profile.

Standing atop the flying ship, Zhouyang, witnessing this scene, felt a surge of heroic ambition rising within him.

This was the life he admired and aspired to!

Traveling through Cyan Nether, descending to the Abyss Sea, nowhere unreachable, no goal unattainable, where the heart desires, the person follows!

In his exhilarated state, he could not help but encourage and lecture the juniors by his side:

"Take a good look at this scene, this kind of view may be the only chance you get to see in your lifetime!"

"You may not achieve this in your lifetime, but remember in your heart, this is the realm we cultivators pursue, this is the goal every cultivator should aspire to!"

"Remember these words, ’The road is long and far-reaching, I will search above and below!’"

Lu Xuewei and the other juniors, initially intimidated by the statuses of Lu Xuanji and Yin Hanguang, had been standing obediently in a corner of the flying ship since boarding, not daring to make a sound.

At this time, hearing the inspiring words of the elder Zhouyang, and then looking at the vast and magnificent sea of clouds below, everyone couldn’t help but have their hearts bowed. Unexpectedly, they overcame the fear of the status of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator and all stood up straight, loudly responding: "We heed the teachings of our master (ancestor)!"

Lu Xuanji saw this situation and couldn’t help but glance at Zhouyang with a touch of admiration in his eyes.

He nodded slightly with a relaxed expression and said: "The road ahead is long and far, I will seek it high and low; these words are indeed profound and resonate deeply with me!"

Having said this, it seemed he too was stirred up with undying fervor and couldn’t help but say aloud: "The path to immortality is difficult to find; without such determination, without such consciousness, how can one truly seek immortality? How can one truly seek freedom?"

Even Yin Hanguang mulled over these words thoughtfully, then nodded gently and said: "Zhou Xiaoyou is absolutely right. For us cultivators to succeed, we must have unwavering determination to win, the fearless courage to challenge heaven and earth, and the wisdom to surpass our predecessors!"

The term "Zhou Xiaoyou" being shouted out indicated that he finally began to truly regard Zhouyang, a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, recognizing Zhouyang’s potential to join their ranks in the future.

"The words came out of my mouth on impulse, without seeing through as deeply as you two seniors. Hearing the precious advice of you two now brings me enlightenment!"

Zhouyang smiled humbly, then cupped his hands in salute to the two Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators and said: "I have no way to repay the teachings of you two seniors; please accept this salute."

His words and actions naturally contained flattery, but this well-timed flattery didn’t come off as pretentious and only made the two Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators happy.

Thus, the two Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators, feeling pleased by his flattery, also took the opportunity to instruct Zhouyang on some cultivation doubts. Even Lu Xuewei benefited, obtaining from Lu Xuanji a method to mitigate the temperament affects of the "Ice Soul Scripture."

After flying for several days, Zhouyang suddenly noticed in the distance a bare peak reaching straight into the Cyan Nether.

The peak of that mountain reached into the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm," higher than their current altitude.

Zhouyang’s gaze fixed on the barren mountain peak, as if thinking of something, his expression changed suddenly, and he couldn’t help but look at Lu Xuanji.

"That is Heaven-Reaching Peak, the highest peak in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range. I am worried that the escaped [Heaven-Sundering True Demon] might discover the spatial rift in the Boundless Desert Sea, and then use the pure demonic energy there to restore his cultivation. So this time I came here to invite the [Heaven-Reaching Demon King], who is adept in seal techniques from the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, to take a look at that spatial rift to see if he’s able to seal it!"

Lu Xuanji, understanding Zhouyang’s concerns, explained his plan with a faint smile.

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang’s expression relaxed, but he couldn’t help asking: "But will the [Heaven-Reaching Demon King] agree? The demons of the Broken Cloud Mountain Range are very hostile toward our human race cultivators!"

"Hmph, he has no choice but to agree!"

Lu Xuanji snorted coldly and said with a smirk: "You know, the demon race doesn’t just like devouring our cultivators’ divine souls and Nascent Souls, they also like enslaving demons, corrupting them into demon beasts for their use. In ancient times, when the demon race invaded, their demon race was also one of the victims. At that time, true spirits of the demon race even descended from the True Immortal Realm to eradicate demons!"

Zhouyang immediately understood.

Compared to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, the Broken Cloud Mountain Range is obviously closer to the spatial rift in the "Sea of Death." If the "Heaven-Sundering True Demon" were allowed to restore his strength there and use some demonic secret technique to turn the spatial rift into a Demon Realm passage, the demon army would first attack the Broken Cloud Mountain Range demon race. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel※fire.net

Of course, before that, the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm would definitely be destroyed first.

This made Zhouyang’s heart tighten, hoping fervently that Lu Xuanji could successfully persuade the "Heaven-Reaching Demon King," otherwise, he would truly have to find a backup plan for the Zhou Family.

"Old bastard Lu, why aren’t you waiting to die peacefully on your Profound Sun Peak, and come to my Heaven-Reaching Peak? Could it be that you know this king lacks a bit of fire to break through to the True Spirit Realm, and came especially to offer up your Nascent Soul for this king’s help? If that’s the case, this king will surely be indebted to you; once I achieve True Spirit, I will definitely leave a little legacy for your Profound Sun Immortal Sect when I conquer the Liuyun Continent!"

Before the flying ship had reached within several hundred miles of the mountain rising straight into the Cyan Nether, a booming voice suddenly roared in Zhouyang’s ears. It turned out that some demon king on Heaven-Reaching Peak, having recognized the identity of those on the flying ship, issued a warning in advance.

Such arrogant words, indeed, fit the behavior typical of demon kings.

The demon race does not emphasize mental cultivation and does not experience tribulations like the "Heart Demon Tribulation" that target mental weaknesses.

Demon Kings are accustomed to acting arrogantly in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range and even on their base at Heaven-Reaching Peak. Even if someone like Lu Xuanji, a "Half-Step True Immortal" at the Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul, came by, they did not need to give face, speaking as they pleased.

Of course, if they were outside the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, any demon king dared to speak like that, Zhouyang believed that Lu Xuanji would not mind slaying a demon and obtaining its core, crafting a few Tier Six Spiritual Artifacts for his Profound Sun Immortal Sect.

Even so, after hearing his words, the one who had spoken such arrogant words, the "Strong Ape King," suddenly fell silent, and there was no sound for a long time.

Until the flying ship arrived several thousand zhang outside Heaven-Reaching Peak, another gentle voice finally sounded, saying: "Third Brother was just joking with Fellow Daoist Lu. However, I wonder why Fellow Daoist Lu suddenly visited our Heaven-Reaching Peak."

As this voice echoed, a flash of spiritual light suddenly erupted atop Heaven-Reaching Peak, and unexpectedly, a human-shaped figure in green attire appeared.

Someone appearing at a place like Heaven-Reaching Peak surely can’t be a true human; they must be one of the Tier Six Demon Kings transformed into human form.

Zhouyang’s gaze turned to the middle-aged man in green, guessing silently about that one’s demon beast origin, when suddenly he heard Yin Hanguang’s transmission in his ear.

"That middle-aged man in green is the leader among the demon kings in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range—[Heaven-Reaching Demon King]. His original form is a rare exotic beast known as the [Azure Heaven Beast], naturally inclined to space law and proficient in various space divine techniques. In terms of space sealing, none among the demon and human races can claim superiority except for those true immortals at the Tribulation Crossing Stage."

Zhouyang also heard of the [Azure Heaven Beast]. Its rarity rivals that of the Vermilion Bird Demon King Zhu Zizhen, a demon beast with the True Saint bloodline.

He hadn’t expected that the leader of the demon kings in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range was such a rare demon beast.

At this moment, Lu Xuanji looked at the suddenly appearing middle-aged man in green, moving his lips slightly and using sound transmission to express his purpose.

About the news of the "Heaven-Sundering True Demon" breaking free and appearing, the demon kings in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range may or may not know. However, it is not that important.

The crucial thing is that the matter of the spatial rift in the "Sea of Death" must not be revealed to too many people; otherwise, if it gets leaked, it could lead to a catastrophic disaster!

Many demon kings in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range are big mouths, and some of those guys would be happier to see humans destroyed. If some ill-intentioned people learn of the existence of the spatial rift and spread the news without regard for countless demon races’ lives in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, it would indeed be chaos.

But Lu Xuanji knew that the "Heaven-Reaching Demon King" was definitely not among them. Although he is of the demon race, his style tends closer to that of human cultivators. It is precisely due to his strong restraints that the demon race in the Broken Cloud Mountain Range hasn’t erupted in a life-or-death war with the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.

Otherwise, if all these demon races charged into the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, it would cause unprecedented damage to it. However, the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm would also completely eradicate the Broken Cloud Mountain Range and open communication channels with the Westernmost Cultivation Realm, which is not far off.

Lu Xuanji believed that such a wise and farsighted demon king would not do such unwise things.

Sure enough, after hearing Lu Xuanji’s transmission, the "Heaven-Reaching Demon King" hesitated visibly, showing a contemplative expression.

After a while, his lips moved as he appeared to confer with another demon king on Heaven-Reaching Peak through sound transmission. Only after a while did he nod gently at Lu Xuanji and say: "Fine, I’ll trust you this time and accompany you on this journey!"

Lu Xuanji exhaled in relief upon hearing this and quickly cupped his hands, saying: "Fellow Daoist, your profound sense of righteousness is indeed a blessing for countless demon races in this Broken Cloud Mountain Range. I hereby, on behalf of countless human races in this realm, greatly appreciate Fellow Daoist’s assistance!"

"Heh heh heh, you can skip the thanks. If we meet on the battlefield later, I won’t hold back against those I should slay!"

With a chuckle, the "Heaven-Reaching Demon King" waved his hand dismissively and showed no sign of accepting the gratitude.

Seeing this, Lu Xuanji merely smiled and paid no further mind.

In his heart, he thought the same way as the "Heaven-Reaching Demon King". Should they meet on the battlefield, under the great cause of their races, he wouldn’t hold back by virtue of having cooperated with demon kings like the "Heaven-Reaching Demon King" and the "Vermilion Bird Demon King".

Of course, given his lifespan, he probably won’t appear on the human and demon races’ battlefield again in this lifetime.

In a sense, this may not be a bad thing.

Accompanied by the master of the Broken Cloud Mountain Range, the "Heaven-Reaching Demon King", the journey of Zhouyang and others naturally went smoothly. Soon, they traversed out of the Broken Cloud Mountain Range and entered the Boundless Desert Sea.

Upon reaching the Boundless Desert Sea, Zhouyang instructed his disciple Lu Xuewei to take Zhou Tongxuan and other three juniors back to the clan, while he continued with Lu Xuanji to fly towards the "Sea of Death" with the intention of broadening his horizons.

Lu Xuanji, having no opinion on this, agreed since the trip posed no danger, letting Zhouyang accompany them to broaden his horizons as he wished.

Thus, after flying over the Desert Sea for several days, they plunged into the black "Sea of Death".

The "Sea of Death" frequently bears "Black Sand Storms", but those same storms that once troubled Zhouyang couldn’t hinder Lu Xuanji, a Ninth-layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortal".

Lu Xuanji opted for the old method, lifting the flying ship into the "Nine Heavens Forbidden Realm", where the endless "Nine Heavens Gang Wind" would shatter any sandstorm.

Soon, Zhouyang’s sight again fell upon the appearance of the spatial rift.

But upon seeing the spatial rift this time, his eyes widened, his face changed dramatically as he looked towards Lu Xuanji.

He distinctly remembered Lu Xuanji had previously claimed this spatial rift, including the surrounding region, had been sealed off and isolated by a grand array.

In that case, how could they see the spatial rift directly from the outside?

Lu Xuanji’s expression was also very grim. It was evident he realized this point earlier than Zhouyang.

Moreover, his cultivation was extraordinarily high. After realizing this, he quickly found the reason.

His gaze turned cold as he looked at a certain spot not far from the spatial rift, then flicked his finger, launching a fireball made of "Profound Yang True Flame" towards it.

With a loud "boom," Zhouyang’s sight was suddenly filled with a "familiar face" he never expected to see!

Amid the billowing sand and dust, a hideous dark gold demon appeared in everyone’s view.

This demon was none other than the demonic powerhouse "Celestial Killer Corpse King" who once imprisoned Zhouyang in the Land of the Far West to aid his cultivation.

"How could it be him? How could it be here?"

Zhouyang exclaimed in shock, involuntarily stepping back two steps.

Then he remembered that beside him now was a Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortal" and a Tier Six Upper Grade Demon King, not to mention Yin Hanguang, a Mid-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator wielding the Tier Seven Middle Grade Spiritual Artifact "Eye of Light."

Faced with such a formidable lineup, it was "Celestial Killer Corpse King" who should be worried, not him.

So he quickly calmed down, squared his shoulders, and pointed at the "Celestial Killer Corpse King," shouting, "Elder Lu, this scoundrel calls itself the ’Celestial Killer Corpse King.’ It is a Spiritual Zombie, birthed from the body of a Nascent Soul Stage Evil Cultivator using Demonic Secret Techniques, and it possesses incredibly powerful cultivation and wicked deeds!"

After a brief hesitation, he continued, "Also, when I initially formed my Golden Core, I was captured and imprisoned by this scoundrel, forced to use the ’Qianyang True Flame’ to help it refine its magical power and cultivate, so your True Flame Divine Techniques might not be very effective against it. Please be cautious!"

Lu Xuanji was aware of his adventures in the Kunxu Realm, so there was no need to explain how he escaped from the "Celestial Killer Corpse King."

Meanwhile, upon seeing him, "Celestial Killer Corpse King’s" eyes lit up, and then it laughed heartily, saying, "Well, well, well, searched the entire Westernmost Cultivation Realm, couldn’t find you, little thief. Who would have thought you’d deliver yourself right to my door? How delightful, how delightful indeed!"

Before the laughter ceased, its expression turned fierce, glaring at Lu Xuanji, demanding, "So you’re the one who refined the Divine Soul Mark I left in the ’Netherworld Profound Coffin,’ huh? Hand over the ’Netherworld Profound Coffin’ and let me deal with that little thief, and I’ll spare you. Otherwise, don’t blame me for cutting you down!"

Lu Xuanji found himself wrongfully blamed on Zhouyang’s behalf without reason, feeling quite aggrieved.

He cast a meaningful glance at Zhouyang without denying or clearing his name, instead laughing coldly, "Very well, I’ve lived for over three thousand years, and ever since successfully forming my Nascent Soul, this is the first time a demon dared speak to me . Just for your words, I won’t let you off easily, let alone for breaking through my array and spying on the secret here!"

Before his words fell silent, he waved his sleeve, summoning his Tier Seven Lower Grade Spiritual Artifact, the "Red Sky Divine Spear."

The Divine Spear tore through the air with unparalleled speed, reaching the "Celestial Killer Corpse King" in the blink of an eye.

The "Celestial Killer Corpse King" apparently hadn’t anticipated that the first human Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortal" level cultivator it encountered would be a powerhouse wielding a Tier Seven Immortal Artifact.

Although its response was quick, swiftly sidestepping to evade, it still couldn’t fully dodge and got pierced through the ribs by the crimson gold Divine Spear, the invincible Corpse King’s body being breached so easily for the first time.

A furious roar erupted from the "Celestial Killer Corpse King," its body surging with corpse qi, trying to seal the wound from the "Red Sky Divine Spear." However, the power of the Tier Seven Immortal Artifact remained in the wound, preventing a quick recovery.

This only fueled its rage further.

"Damned old fool, do you think you’re the only one with a Tier Seven Immortal Artifact? Watch as I cleave you in half with one strike!"

It roared in anger, opening its mouth wide to spit out a pitch-black demonic blade shrouded in demonic qi.

Upon its emergence, the demonic qi transformed into a black demon dragon, cradling the blade in its mouth. The dragon flicked its tail, vanishing swiftly, reappearing near the flying ship.

"Demon Dragon Blade!"

Lu Xuanji, Yin Hanguang, and Zhouyang exclaimed in unison at this sight, evidently recognizing the name of this demonic blade!