Prehistoric: The female saint Shiji, brilliant and talented

"We must find the Pure World White Lotus as soon as possible," the junior sister said breathlessly. "Although the sacred beast has temporarily repelled the people of the Netherworld Palace, its demonic transformation has intensified."

If it is not purified in time, it may completely degenerate into a demonic creature.

Shi Ji nodded: "Do you know the whereabouts of the Pure World White Lotus?"

The junior sister took out an ancient map: "According to the clues left by the descendants, the Pure World White Lotus should grow in the Mysterious Ice Realm in the far north."

But the place is fraught with danger, and…

"And what?"

Gongsun Linglong asked curiously.

The junior sister smiled wryly and said, "Moreover, the Mysterious Ice Realm only opens once every ten years, and we have to wait three years for it to open again next time."

This answer silenced all three of them.

Three years is enough time for too many things to change.

No one knows whether that sacred beast can hold out until then, not to mention that the Netherworld Palace will never let it go.

Just as they were pondering a solution, a familiar figure suddenly appeared ahead.

The old man who had been unconscious had somehow woken up and was standing in the middle of the road with a strange smile on his face.

Where are you three headed?

The old man's voice turned sinister and terrifying, his eyes flashing with a blood-red light.

Shi Ji immediately became alert and shielded the two women behind her: "Who exactly are you?"

The old man let out a piercing laugh: "Since you're about to die, I might as well tell you."

"I am a sentry of the Netherworld Palace, here specifically to guard against the remnants of the Descendant Clan!"

After saying this, the old man's body began to twist and deform, and it seemed as if countless insects were wriggling under his skin.

Soon, a hideous monster appeared before the three of them, exuding a nauseatingly evil aura.

"careful!
This is the Demon Transformation Technique of the Netherworld Palace!

The junior sister exclaimed, "He can transform into a demon in a short time, and his strength will increase several times over!"

The demonized old man let out a deafening roar, his claws tearing through the air as he lunged at Shi Ji.

It was so fast that no one had time to react.

Just at this critical moment, a dazzling sword light suddenly descended from the sky, accurately slashing at the demon's claws.

With a scream, the monster's arm snapped off, and black blood gushed out.

A middle-aged man in a blue robe landed gracefully, his long sword gleaming with a chilling light.

"These scum from the Netherworld Palace dare to run wild here?"

Shi Ji looked at the newcomer in surprise: "Who are you?"

The man in the green robe sheathed his sword and smiled slightly: "Ling Xuzi of the Qingyun Sword Sect."

I've come to offer my assistance at someone's request.

Junior sister exclaimed in surprise, "Master Lingxu!"
What brings you here?

Ling Xuzi looked at his junior sister with affection: "You little rascal, sneaking out like this has really worried your master."

Luckily, I arrived in time, otherwise the Netherworld Palace's conspiracy would have succeeded.

He turned to Shiji, his expression turning serious: "I have a general understanding of what happened."

The most urgent task is to head to the Mysterious Ice Realm as soon as possible to find the Pure World White Lotus.

I have a method to open the secret realm ahead of time, but I need the help of three people.

This unexpected turn of events rekindled hope in Shi Ji's heart.

He looked at his junior sister and Gongsun Linglong beside him. Their eyes met in the air, and they all saw the determination in each other's eyes.

"In that case, let's not delay and set off now."

Shi Ji said firmly.

Ling Xuzi nodded in satisfaction and took out an exquisite flying boat from his sleeve.

The flying boat grew larger with the wind, quickly becoming large enough to hold several people.

"Come on up, let's talk as we walk."

The four boarded the flying boat and transformed into a streak of light, speeding northward.

Behind them, the roaring sounds from the valley grew fainter and fainter, but everyone knew that this was merely the prelude to an even greater storm.

On the flying boat, Ling Xuzi explained in detail how to open the Mysterious Ice Realm ahead of time.

It turns out that it is necessary to gather the power of the Four Symbols, which correspond to the essence of the four sacred beasts, Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, and then combine them with a special magic array in order to forcibly open the entrance to the secret realm.

"I have prepared the essence blood of the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger."

Ling Xuzi took out two jade bottles. "The Vermilion Bird's essence blood needs to be refined with the Phoenix True Fire of the Gongsun family, while the Black Tortoise's essence blood..."

He looked at Shiji and said meaningfully, "It is said that the sacred beast of the Houyi clan contains a trace of Xuanwu bloodline."

Shi Ji immediately understood Ling Xuzi's meaning: "Uncle-Master, do you mean we need to extract essence blood from that stone egg?"

"Exactly."

Ling Xuzi nodded, "Although it's risky, it's the only way."

Junior sister grasped Shiji's hand worriedly: "But the sacred beast is now severely demonized, it's too dangerous to get close to it."

Shi Ji grasped her junior sister's hand in return and comforted her, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Since this is the only way to save the sacred beast, it's worth trying, no matter how dangerous it is.

Gongsun Linglong suddenly spoke up: "I can help."

The Phoenix True Fire of the Gongsun family can not only refine essence blood, but also temporarily suppress demonic energy.

Although it cannot completely purify the situation, it should buy us enough time.

This suggestion was a revelation to everyone.

Ling Xuzi gave Gongsun Linglong an appreciative look: "I've long heard that the Gongsun family has produced a genius in this generation, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."

After flying at full speed for three days and three nights, the airship finally arrived at the far north.

As far as the eye can see, there are vast expanses of white glaciers and snowfields, and the biting cold wind is as sharp as a knife.

Ling Xuzi maneuvered the flying boat to land in front of a huge ice peak.

"The Mysterious Ice Realm is located inside this ice peak."

We must gather the essence of the four elements before the full moon, or we will have to wait another ten years.

Looking up at the towering ice peaks that reach into the clouds, Shi Ji felt the immense energy contained within them.

He knew that the next move would determine the fate of countless people; it could only succeed, it could not fail.

"Let's find a place to rest and make a detailed plan."

Ling Xuzi put away the flying boat and led the way toward a cave at the foot of the ice peak.

The cave is quite spacious, and although it is cold, it is enough to shelter from the wind and snow.

The four sat together and began to discuss specific action plans.

Just as they were engrossed in their discussion, Shi Ji suddenly felt the jade pendant in her bosom become slightly warm.

He took out the jade pendant and found some runes he had never seen before appearing on it, emitting a faint light.

"These are the inherited runes of the Descendant Clan!"

The junior sister exclaimed in surprise, "It seems the jade pendant has sensed the aura of the sacred beast and is awakening its secrets!"

Amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, the jade pendant shone ever brighter, eventually projecting a complex map into the air.

The map clearly marks the routes inside the Mysterious Ice Realm, as well as the possible locations where the Pure World White Lotus might grow.

"That's wonderful!" Ling Xuzi exclaimed excitedly. "With this map, our chances of finding the Pure World White Lotus have greatly increased!"

However, just as they were celebrating their discovery, a strange laugh suddenly came from outside the cave.

As laughter erupted, the entire ice peak began to tremble violently, as if some enormous creature was awakening.

Ling Xuzi's expression changed drastically: "Not good! It's the Netherworld Palace! They actually tracked us here!"

Shi Ji quickly put away the jade pendant, her eyes turning sharp as knives: "You've come at the perfect time, perfect for settling both old and new scores!"

The four rushed out of the cave, only to see dozens of dark figures surrounding them from all directions amidst the swirling snow.

The one in the lead was none other than Elder Xuanming, who was wearing a ghost mask!
"You didn't expect it, did you? We've met again so soon."

Elder Xuanming chuckled sinisterly, "This time, let's see where you can escape to!"

Shi Ji slowly drew her longsword, the blade gleaming coldly in the reflection of the ice and snow.

It's still uncertain who will escape and who will stay.

War is imminent.

Gongsun Linglong's pretty face flushed red; she had never seen anyone as shameless as Shi Ji.

Her almost flirtatious words just now made her both ashamed and angry, and she wished she could draw her sword and attack immediately.

But after Shi Ji finished speaking, he turned his head away nonchalantly, staring intently at the strange stone egg in front of him, as if those flippant words had never come from him at all.

"You scoundrel!" Gongsun Linglong cursed inwardly, but she couldn't retaliate. She could only snort coldly and turn her gaze elsewhere.

Just then, Shi Ji suddenly let out a soft exclamation, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.

He felt a surge of vital energy emanating from inside the stone egg. The energy was pure and powerful, contrasting sharply with the sinister aura emanating from the surface of the stone egg.

"There's something strange about this stone egg," Shi Ji murmured, and in a flash, she flew towards the stone egg.

As the distance closed, the life essence emanating from inside the stone egg became increasingly concentrated.

When Shi Ji was only three zhang away from the stone egg, he suddenly felt a familiar yet unfamiliar energy fluctuation.

"This is... the aura of the Netherworld Iron?" Shi Ji exclaimed in surprise, her face filled with disbelief.

Nine Netherworld Iron, a rare divine iron said to exist only in the Nine Netherworld, is an excellent material for forging immortal artifacts.

Shi Ji had seen related records in ancient books, but never thought that one day she would be able to see them with her own eyes.

In her excitement, Shi Ji threw a punch at Shi Dan without hesitation.

This punch contained seventy percent of his power; the wind from the punch howled, and the air itself trembled.

"Kacha kacha——"

The surface of the stone egg immediately developed numerous cracks, and then it shattered with a loud crash.

Shockingly, the stone egg contained not the expected demons, but mountains of Netherworld Iron.

Each piece of Nether Iron is the size of a washbasin, jet black, with a dark luster flowing across its surface.

"Heaven is helping me!" Shi Ji was overjoyed.

He had been searching for suitable materials to refine his natal magic weapon, and this Nine Netherworld Iron was the most ideal choice.

However, Shi Ji quickly calmed down.

The Netherworld Iron is extremely difficult to smelt, and with his current cultivation level, melting and forging it would be no easy task.

But with such an opportunity right in front of us, how could we miss it?

Shi Ji formed hand seals and quickly created a sealing gate.

The golden portal slowly opened, drawing in all the scattered Netherworld Iron.

To ensure everything went smoothly, Shi Ji added three more restrictions to the seal before storing the Nine Netherworld Iron in her storage ring.

Throughout the entire process, Shi Ji remained highly vigilant.

Although the light emitted by the Netherworld Iron was promptly concealed, it was still possible that it would attract the attention of others.

If the news leaks out, it will attract countless covetous people.

"Shi Ji! How dare you keep the treasure for yourself!"

A sharp shout pulled Shi Ji back to reality from her thoughts.

Gongsun Linglong glared angrily, her pretty face flushed red with rage.

Shi Ji smiled dismissively: "Why do you say that, Miss Linglong? This Nine Netherworld Iron is an unclaimed object; whoever is capable will obtain it."

"Once I've refined it, I might be able to share some scraps with you."

"You!" Gongsun Linglong trembled with rage. "Shameless scoundrel!"
I was the one who discovered this place first!

Shi Ji spread her hands, looking completely innocent: "You can't say that."

If I hadn't shattered the stone egg, these Netherworld Iron pieces would probably have remained covered in dust.

Actually, you should be thanking me.

Gongsun Linglong gritted her teeth, wishing she could draw her sword immediately.

But considering Shi Ji's unfathomable strength, he forcibly suppressed his anger.

She snorted and changed the subject, saying, "This space is quite strange; perhaps it hides other opportunities."

Shi Ji nodded, her expression slightly serious: "That's true."

I sensed unusual fluctuations at the bottom of the abyss just now. Why don't we go investigate together?

Although Gongsun Linglong was unwilling, she knew that she could not gain a foothold here on her own, so she had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

Each with their own thoughts, the two sped off one after the other towards the bottom of the abyss.

The deeper you go, the fiercer the cold wind becomes.

The biting cold wind was highly corrosive; an ordinary cultivator would probably turn to dust in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

However, Shi Ji's cultivation method is special, and her physical strength far exceeds that of other cultivators of the same level.

These eerie winds were nothing more than a gentle breeze to him.

To his surprise, Gongsun Linglong seemed to be handling the situation with ease, clearly possessing a special treasure protecting her.

Along the way, they collected many rare and precious herbs, including some extremely rare ones that are only seen once in a thousand years.

Shi Ji noticed that the higher the quality of the spiritual herbs, the deeper he went, which made him even more curious about the bottom of the abyss.

About half an hour later, the two finally reached the bottom of the abyss.

Surprisingly, the bottom was not pitch black as expected, but instead emitted a soft fluorescence.

The light source comes from the luminous pearls embedded in the rock face and the glowing moss growing on the ground.

"This place is surprisingly hidden from view," Gongsun Linglong exclaimed softly, a hint of amazement flashing in her beautiful eyes.

Shi Ji did not answer; his gaze was drawn to an ancient tomb in front of him.

At the entrance to the tomb, a skeleton sat cross-legged. The skeleton was as white as jade and emitted a faint luster under the fluorescent light.

Even more surprisingly, the skeleton was in a fighting posture, as if guarding the tomb behind it.

“This skeleton is quite strange.” Gongsun Linglong frowned as she observed it. “Having endured the test of time, it has not decayed but has instead maintained such a complete fighting posture.”

Shi Ji slowly stepped forward and carefully examined the skeleton.

He discovered that the surface of the skeleton was covered with intricate runes, which echoed the luminous pearls on the rock wall, forming a special force field.

“This should be a battle puppet,” Shi Ji concluded. “It was made into a guardian puppet in life and continues to perform its guardian mission after death.”

Gongsun Linglong pondered, "For such a powerful person to willingly transform into a battle puppet, the identity of the tomb's owner must be extraordinary."

Shi Ji nodded in agreement, a burning glint in her eyes: "Perhaps there is an even greater opportunity hidden in the tomb."

“In that case, let’s go in and explore,” Gongsun Linglong said, her tone tinged with anticipation. “But let’s make it clear beforehand that anything we find must be divided fairly.” (End of Chapter)