Staying in the sect, controlling beasts and cultivating immortals

Inside the skeletal cave, the aura of the six newly born beasts had not yet fully subsided, and the lingering chaotic energy of Yu Changsheng's breakthrough to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm still resonated in the space.

However, this rare opportunity for transformation was like throwing a spark into a lifeless frying pan.

"Roar--!!!"

A terrifying screech, indescribable in words, seemed to transcend countless ages, carrying endless resentment and greed, and erupted from the deepest part of the Ancient Ruins of the Burial Gods!

The entire skeletal cave trembled violently, and a large amount of bone powder and gravel containing malevolent energy fell from the cave ceiling. The air instantly became thick and heavy. A cold, vast, and seemingly soul-freezing ancient will swept through every inch of the cave like a tangible tide, precisely locking onto Yu Changsheng, the Chaos Source Beast beside him, and his newborn companions.

This willpower is far stronger than that of the previous Abyss Clan "Purifier"!
It carries an indifference that looks down upon ants, and a naked, all-consuming desire for the source of chaos.

"not good!"

Yu Changsheng's expression changed drastically; the power he had just gained from his breakthrough seemed so insignificant in the face of this will.

He only had time to activate the chaotic mark on his back. The hazy chaotic source power instantly expanded into an extremely unstable shield, barely enveloping Chen Xueqing, Wang Cheng, and the six small beasts within it.

Boom!

An invisible surge of intent crashed violently against the chaotic shield.

The protective shield rippled violently, and spiderweb-like cracks appeared on its surface. Yu Changsheng felt as if he had been hit by a heavy hammer. He groaned, and blood with a chaotic gray tinge spilled from the corner of his mouth. The tearing pain came again from the inside of his newly repaired body.

The six newly born beasts, especially the Chaos Golden Roc, the Flame Dragon, and the Black Tortoise, let out instinctive low roars, and the imprints of laws within their bodies flickered uncertainly, clearly bearing immense pressure.

"Longevity!" Chen Xueqing's face was pale as she struggled to draw upon the faint life force of the emerald green runes on her heart, trying to strengthen the protective barrier.

Wang Cheng gritted his teeth and poured all his remaining spiritual power into the shield, transforming the power of the metal element into fine runes in an attempt to reinforce it.

"Don't stay here for long!"

A chaotic gray light flashed in Yu Changsheng's eyes, and he made a decision in an instant.

To stubbornly resist this unknown ancient being is to face certain death!
"Black Tortoise!" Yu Changsheng whispered.

The Chaos Tortoise, which was only about ten feet in size and carried a Chaos Tortoise Shell on its back, immediately understood. It emitted a deep hum and stomped heavily on the ground with its four legs.

A ripple containing the pulse of the earth and the aura of chaos instantly spread out, penetrating the skeletal cave and penetrating deep into the earth.

"The ley lines are chaotic, but we can go southwest!"

The Xuan Turtle shared perception with Yu Changsheng, transmitting vague information.

It sensed a relatively thin and chaotic geological structure deep underground in the southwest corner of the cave. The energy was mixed but seemed to connect to other areas, and it was the only way out of the predicament!
"go!"

Without hesitation, Yu Changsheng endured the excruciating pain and activated the Chaos Mark at full power, enveloping everyone and the six beasts in an even denser gray mist. He transformed into a dim stream of light and crashed fiercely into the southwest corner of the skeletal wall, which the Xuan Turtle had indicated!
boom!
The chaotic gray mist, carrying a powerful force of erosion and decomposition, forcibly melted a hole in the solid, malevolent bone wall.

Yu Changsheng rushed in first, followed closely by Wang Cheng who protected Chen Xueqing and Xiao Caixinglu. The other five beasts also transformed into streams of light of various colors and followed closely in.

The moment they disappeared, the giant ape skull that held the cave exploded!
A gigantic, pitch-black claw, formed from pure resentment and malevolent energy, and faintly bearing the outline of ancient gods and demons, descended from the sky, covering the entire area.

As the giant claw descended, the cave of bones, along with the surrounding area of ​​several hundred feet, was completely reduced to dust, and a terrifying shockwave swept in all directions!
If Yu Changsheng hadn't acted decisively, they would have been pulverized to pieces by now.

The moment they plunged into the ground, they were met with an even denser, more piercing aura of death and a mixture of battlefield malevolent intent.

The Chaos Tortoise led the way, its shell glowing with chaotic patterns as it continuously absorbed the incoming negative energy and converted some of it into relatively stable earth elemental energy, creating a narrow and extremely unstable passage for the people behind.

The passage was not naturally formed; it appeared to be the cavity of some giant creature's skeleton or a fissure torn apart by an ancient battle. The walls were covered with dark purple crystals and constantly dripping, highly corrosive evil liquid.

The environment was extremely harsh, but the good news was that the terrifying intent emanating from the depths of the ancient ruins seemed to be temporarily blocked by the thick rock layers and chaotic energy, and the sense of being locked on was greatly reduced.

"Cough cough..." Yu Changsheng's face was as pale as paper. He had previously forced the Chaos Source Power to resist the impact of the ancient will, and then hastily broke through the bone wall to escape underground. His injuries were aggravated again, and the energy conflict in his body, which had finally stabilized, began to stir again.

"Chang Sheng!" Chen Xueqing felt heartbroken. The little star deer immediately jumped onto Yu Chang Sheng's shoulder, and emerald green life light spots fell like a drizzle.

Although the effect was far less powerful than the previous emerald green roots, the gentle life force still slightly calmed the violent energy in Yu Changsheng's body and alleviated his pain.

Wang Cheng warily surveyed his back and surroundings, a spear formed from metal-elemental spiritual energy gathering in his hand, its tip radiating a sharp aura. "No one's chasing us, but there's something ahead! A very dangerous aura!"

Following Wang Cheng's gaze, the passage ahead suddenly opened up, forming a huge underground cavern. In the center of the cavern, a strange plant was growing!

Its trunk is as black as ink, thick and gnarled, its surface covered with nodules that resemble painful human faces, from which countless vines covered with fine scales extend.

The vines were not emerald green, but rather a lifeless dark purple, with a ghostly blue phosphorescence flickering at their ends.

Most horrifyingly, the ground around this enormous plant was covered with countless skeletons, some humanoid, some animaloid, and even some indescribable giant bones, all entangled, pierced, and drained of their remaining energy by its roots.

"Netherworld Ghost Vine!"

Yu Changsheng's pupils contracted slightly as he found the corresponding information from the vast memories of the Myriad Beasts Heavenly Scripture.

This is a malevolent plant that grows only in extremely yin and deathly places. It feeds on the energy of the bones and the remnants of the souls of the dead. Its vines are incredibly tough and contain potent poison and soul-absorbing power. Its core often condenses into a precious "Netherworld Crystal Core", which contains extremely pure Netherworld death energy and yin energy crystals.

This Netherworld Vine has clearly grown for countless years, its aura is powerful, far surpassing the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and almost reaching the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm!
It is the master of this underground cave!
Just as they discovered the Ghost Vine, the enormous plant seemed to sense the intrusion of "fresh flesh and blood" and "immense energy."

The tumors on the main trunk, resembling human faces, wriggled simultaneously, emitting a silent yet soul-piercing shriek!
Chi Chi Chi!
In an instant, hundreds of dark purple vines, like awakened venomous snakes and pythons, carrying a pungent, fishy smell and eerie blue phosphorescent flames, swept towards Yu Changsheng and the others, covering the sky! Wherever the vines passed, even the space itself seemed to be corroded, creating faint ripples.

"Golden Roc! Flaming Dragon! Black Tortoise! ​​Protect!" Yu Changsheng shouted sternly.

"Wow!"

Although the Chaos Golden Roc was small in size, its speed surpassed that of the six beasts. It transformed into a blurry golden line and soared into the sky, its wings unleashing countless chaotic Gengjin energy blades that precisely slashed at the attacking vines.

The clanging sounds were incessant as the golden blades collided with the vines, sparks flying. Many vines were severed, oozing a foul-smelling, purplish-black sap, but the broken parts quickly regenerated, displaying astonishing resilience!
"hold head high!"

The Chaos Flame Dragon roared, opening its mouth to spew out scorching chaotic dragon flames.

The grayish-white flames, carrying the intense heat to incinerate everything and the chaotic properties to decompose all things, instantly enveloped a patch of vines.

With a sizzling sound, the burned vines quickly turned black and withered, their regeneration rate greatly reduced, effectively curbing the large-scale attack. The Chaos Tortoise remained as steady as a mountain, the chaotic patterns on its shell shining brightly, and a thick, solid, earthy-yellow light shield mixed with gray mist instantly opened up, blocking Chen Xueqing and Wang Cheng.

Bang bang bang!
The subsequent vines lashed out and struck the light shield with a dull thud. The light shield shook violently, and the Xuan Turtle's limbs sank in, but it still managed to block the attack.

"We can't just stand by and watch!"

Wang Cheng roared, and the golden spear in his hand suddenly grew larger, transforming into a huge spear shadow. With a sharp aura that could tear everything apart, it fiercely stabbed at a thick main vine that was trying to bypass the Xuan Turtle's defense.

Chen Xueqing also mustered her strength, and the emerald green runes on her chest flickered. The power of the Law of Life transformed into a flexible green light band, which wrapped around everyone and their pets, accelerating the recovery of their depleted spiritual power, reducing the corrosive effects of the toxins, and providing a weak layer of soul protection.

The little star deer nestled close to Yu Changsheng, continuously providing him with life force while remaining vigilant against potential soul attacks.

Yu Changsheng is at the heart of this battle.

Instead of making a move, he focused most of his mind on the Chaos Imprint and frantically activated the "Chaos Guidance" technique of the "Ten Thousand Beasts Heavenly Scripture".

He not only had to resist the injuries and energy conflicts within his body, but also had to sense and analyze the energy core and operating rules of the Netherworld Ghost Vine!

"Found it! Deep inside the nodule at the very center of the main trunk!"

A gray light suddenly surged in Yu Changsheng's eyes.

Under the perception of the chaotic source force, within a black nodule at the center of the Ghost Vine's main trunk, several times larger than the other nodules and pulsating slowly like a heart, lies a crystal core the size of a fist, emitting a deep, eerie light, constantly devouring the surrounding death energy and resentment—it is the Netherworld Crystal Core!
"Flame Dragon! Golden Roc! Focus your attack on that black tumor!"

Yu Changsheng gave the order, and at the same time, he stomped his foot, and the chaotic mark on his back detached, hovering above his head, slowly rotating, and bursting out with a terrifying suction force!

"All Beasts Return to One - Chaos Attraction - Devour!"

His target wasn't the Ghost Vine itself, but rather the overwhelming aura of death and the murderous intent of battle permeating the cave! He wanted to strike at its root!

Rumble!
An energy storm suddenly swept through the cave!
Countless gray-black death energy, dark purple malevolent thoughts, and even the faint energy remaining in the bones absorbed by the ghost vine roots, all surged wildly towards the chaotic mark above Yu Changsheng's head like rivers flowing into the sea!
The Netherworld Vine let out an extremely shrill, soul-piercing scream!

The environmental energy it depends on for survival is being plundered at an alarming rate, essentially strangling it.

The vines' attacks instantly became chaotic and frenzied, and their regeneration speed visibly slowed down.

It's now!

"Roar!" The Chaos Flame Dragon seized the opportunity, compressing its entire body of chaotic dragon flames into a blazing white beam of light, like a world-destroying spear, and slammed it fiercely into the pulsating black tumor in the center of its trunk!
"Screech!" The Chaos Golden Roc transformed into a chaotic golden light that tore through space, arriving first despite being behind, its incomparably sharp beak piercing straight at the crystal core!
*Pfft!* *Boom!*

The beam of Chaos Dragon Flame struck the main tumor first, unleashing a terrifying energy fluctuation. The hard, black surface of the tumor instantly turned charred and cracked!

Immediately afterwards, Jinpeng's fatal blow pierced precisely through the crack!

“Ouch——!!!”

A mournful cry, filled with pain and resentment, echoed throughout the cave.

The Netherworld Crystal Core was forcibly pecked out by the sharp beak of the Chaos Golden Roc!
The moment the crystal core detached from the body, the enormous Netherworld Vine seemed to have its life force drained away. All the vines instantly stiffened, withered, and turned to ashes. The massive trunk also rapidly decayed and collapsed, leaving only a pile of remains and the crystal core that still emitted a deep, eerie light and pulsated slightly like a heart.

The Chaos Golden Roc, carrying the still-warm Netherworld Crystal Core in its beak, flew back to Yu Changsheng's side.

Yu Changsheng withdrew the Chaos Mark and stopped devouring.

This operation was extremely taxing on him, and he could barely stand, but his eyes shone brightly.

He picked up the Netherworld Crystal Core, its touch icy cold, as if he were holding a piece of ancient ice. The Netherworld death energy contained within it was extremely pure, and there was also a trace of the essence of malevolent intent left over from an ancient battlefield.

"nice one!"

Wang Cheng's eyes shone brightly. He could feel the enormous energy contained within the crystal core, which would greatly benefit his efforts to stabilize his cultivation and even comprehend the laws of the metal element of killing.

Yu Changsheng, however, turned his gaze to the collapsed roots of the ghost vine.

Deep within the decaying roots, he sensed a faint but extremely pure life force, perfectly intertwined with the death energy.

He gestured for the black tortoise to dig it open.

A moment later, a strange substance the size of a fist, shaped like a heart, translucent dark green in color, and seemingly containing flowing liquid life was dug out—the Heart of the Ghost Vine!
This is a trace of life essence, "from death to yang," that the Netherworld Ghost Vine condensed at its core after devouring endless death!

Although its vitality is not as vigorous as the previous emerald green roots, it is exceptionally pure and contains a special Daoist charm that is tenacious and able to survive in the face of death!
It has a remarkable effect on restoring vitality, especially in cases like Chen Xueqing's, where life had been cut off and then brought back to life!

"Xueqing, this is for you."

Without hesitation, Yu Changsheng handed the Ghost Vine Heart to Chen Xueqing.

Chen Xueqing took it, and a warm and resilient life force instantly surged into her body, bringing a blush to her pale cheeks and significantly improving her condition.

"Old Wang, the Netherworld Death Qi and Battlefield Killing Spirit contained in this crystal core will have a tempering effect on your Metal-type Killing Path. Keep it for now, and try to refine a trace after it is safe to do so."

Yu Changsheng then handed the Netherworld Crystal Core to Wang Cheng. Wang Cheng excitedly accepted it; it was exactly what he desperately needed!
Yu Changsheng then sat down cross-legged and began to refine the immense negative energy he had just absorbed.

The chaotic imprint rotates, forcibly decomposing, transforming, and integrating the deathly aura of the underworld and the murderous intent of the battlefield into its own chaotic source power.

The process was still painful, but with the experience of previous tempering, he seemed more at ease. The cracks on his body slowly healed under the nourishment of the chaotic gray mist, and his aura steadily improved.

The Yin energy contained in the remaining Ghost Vine remnants was also absorbed by the Chaos Black Tortoise and the Flame Dragon, becoming nutrients for their growth.

However, just as everyone was healing, resting, and digesting their gains, the Chaos Tortoise suddenly raised its head and looked warily at a dark cave entrance revealed after the collapse deep inside the cave. The chaotic patterns on its shell flickered rapidly.

"There's something behind the master's cave!"

The black tortoise conveyed a solemn and vigilant message.

Yu Changsheng abruptly opened his eyes, his chaotic gray gaze piercing through the darkness and reaching into the unknown depths of the cave entrance. (End of Chapter)