Staying in the sect, controlling beasts and cultivating immortals

The stench of blood from the Heavenly Ghost Cave had not yet dissipated. On the scorched earth and the collapsed altar of bones, only the oppressive aura of the Six Chaos Beasts receded slowly like a tangible tsunami.

Yu Changsheng stood in the void, his face unusually pale, his chest rising and falling slightly. Although the Netherworld Lord's original power contained in the filthy bone spear that pierced his body had been destroyed at its core by the "Six Phases Return to One - Chaos Return to Ruins Slash", the tearing and erosion it caused could not be healed instantly.

The chaotic source energy surged within his body, like a rushing river washing away the filth on its banks. Each wash brought a slight stinging pain and a tremendous drain on his energy.

The Purple Spirit Emperor Sword hovered beside him, and the tiny crack on its blade slowly healed under the nourishment of the Chaos Origin, emitting a low hum. It, too, had undergone overload operation.

"Cleanup complete, Master."

A deep, resonant thought emanated from the Chaos Tortoise, and the filth and dust clinging to its thick shell were shaken off by an invisible force. Within a radius of a thousand miles, there was no trace of the Heavenly Ghost Clan; even the twisted bone altars had been reduced to dust, merging into the scorched earth.

Only the lingering, chilling resentment in the air proves that this place was once inhabited by evil spirits.

Yu Changsheng's gaze swept across this desolate wasteland, his eyes still cold, but a hint of weariness lurked deep within. He nodded slightly, said nothing more, and took a step forward, causing ripples to spread across the space beneath him like water. The six chaotic beasts transformed into six streams of light of different colors, following closely behind and disappearing into the spatial passage.

Qingzhou Imperial City, Central Square.

Ripples spread through the space, and Yu Changsheng's figure emerged from them.

Chen Xueqing and Wang Cheng, who had been waiting there, immediately went to greet them.

Chen Xueqing immediately noticed Yu Changsheng's pale face and the unsettling stench lingering from the barely perceptible tear in his clothes. Her beautiful eyes narrowed, and she quickly took out a "Green Wood Rejuvenating Pill" from her storage ring, a pill as smooth as jade and radiating rich life essence. She said urgently, "Brother Changsheng, take it quickly!"

Yu Changsheng accepted the pill without hesitation and took it.

The warm medicinal power instantly dissolved, seeping into the limbs and bones like sweet rain, combining with the surging chaotic source power within the body to accelerate the repair of damaged meridians and injured internal organs.

He closed his eyes and regulated his breathing for a moment. When he opened them again, although his face was still slightly pale, the weakness caused by his injuries had largely dissipated, replaced by a profound calm and an immense pressure.

He looked at Wang Cheng. At this moment, Wang Cheng's aura was calm and powerful, and a faint golden halo flowed around his body, which was a sign that he had made further progress in his Overlord Body.

Having survived near-death experiences and the baptism of the Chaos Mark, his "Undying Body" has reached a higher level, and it seems that he is only one opportunity away from the legendary "indestructible" realm.

"You did very well."

Yu Changsheng nodded slightly to Wang Cheng, his tone filled with certainty, "This calamity is also an opportunity."

Wang Cheng clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice resounding: "If it weren't for the timely rescue by the mark and Xue Qing, Wang Cheng would not have survived. This grudge will be avenged by the Xuanming Sect!"

Yu Changsheng turned his gaze to Mo Heng, Lin Wanqing, and Shi Poshan, who were standing solemnly at the edge of the square.

Having witnessed firsthand Yu Changsheng's swift and decisive actions in leading six beasts to and from the Heavenly Ghost Cave and eliminating powerful enemies, the three now felt not only awe but also a profound sense of responsibility and urgency.

"Mo Heng." Yu Changsheng's voice rang out, clearly reaching the ears of the three.

"Your subordinate is here!" Mo Heng immediately stepped forward and bowed in response.

"Starting today, we will dedicate the full strength of the Hundred Crafts Workshops to construct the 'Chaos Returning to Ruins City Protection Array' of Qingzhou, based on the earth vein array patterns imprinted when the Chaos Xuan Turtle was suppressing the region, and incorporating the essence of some array plates left behind by Xuanming Sect spies."

The core of the formation is located at the intersection of the earth's veins within the imperial city, guarded by a projection of the Chaos Black Tortoise's origin.

Yu Changsheng raised his hand, and a stream of light containing complex spatial runes and the Dao of Chaos Returning to Nothingness entered Mo Heng's brow. "This is the outline of the array diagram and the method for constructing the core nodes."

A massive flow of information instantly flooded into Mo Heng's mind. His body trembled, and his eyes blazed with the fervent brilliance of a craftsman. His voice trembled with excitement: "I will obey Your Majesty's decree! Your subordinate will do everything in my power to live up to your expectations! With this array diagram, combined with the power of chaos, Qingzhou's defenses will be as solid as a rock!"

"Lin Wanqing".

"Your subordinate is here!" Lin Wanqing's beautiful face was solemn.

"You are in charge of spiritual plant medicine. In addition to the regular reserves of pills, focus on developing two types: first, the 'Return to Origin Life-Sustaining Pill' which can quickly restore the consumption of chaotic origin and repair Dao injuries; second, highly efficient purification and defense pills against filth, evil, and resentment, which need to be able to be refined on a large scale and distributed to the 'Qingzhou Guard'."

Yu Changsheng also released a ray of spiritual light containing the vitality of plants and the principles of purification, "This is the prototype of the pill formula and the cultivation and catalysis method for some rare spiritual plants. Using your 'Azure Wood Spirit Body' as a guide, combined with the wood energy of Qingzhou's earth veins, we will improve and mass-produce it as soon as possible."

Lin Wanqing respectfully accepted the spiritual light, her eyes resolute: "Yes, Your Majesty! I will cultivate the necessary spiritual plants, optimize the pill formula, and ensure the supply of pills!"

"Stone-broken Mountain".

"Your subordinate is here!" Shi Poshan stood tall like a javelin, his murderous aura subdued.

"Qingzhou Guard, expand! Using the remaining resources from this confiscation as a foundation, recruit loyal, reliable cultivators with excellent aptitude from across Qingzhou. The core body-forging method will be the 'Undying Overlord Body' basic chapter, supplemented by Wang Cheng's improved combat techniques. Meanwhile,"

Yu Changsheng's gaze was sharp as a sword. "Form the 'Shadow Guard.' You will personally select your trusted confidants, and Chen Xueqing will teach them the secret techniques of 'Concealing Breath and Stealth' and 'Void Perception.' They will specialize in intelligence gathering, counter-infiltration, and sabotage behind enemy lines. Target: Xuanming Sect! I need to know their every move!" "Your subordinate obeys!" Shi Poshan's voice boomed, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. "We must forge a fighting force in the shortest possible time! The Shadow Guard's edge will be like its master's sword, piercing the heart of the Xuanming Sect!"

With the deployment complete, Yu Changsheng's gaze swept across the entire city. Having witnessed a series of dramatic changes—the collapse of powerful families, foreign invasion, and the leader's heroic efforts to turn the tide—the numbness and fear on the faces of the people had gradually been replaced by a newfound hope and resilience. Their awe of the figure in the sky was deeply ingrained in their very bones.

He said in a deep voice, "Qingzhou is our home. Foreign enemies have never given up their desire to destroy us. Only by striving for self-improvement can we stand firm. Today's blood will surely bring peace tomorrow!" His voice was not loud, but it clearly spread to every corner of the imperial city, like a stabilizing force, soothing people's hearts and stirring up an indomitable fighting spirit.

Zhongzhou, the core of the Xuanming Sect, the Netherworld Palace.

The atmosphere was as oppressive as frozen ice. Inside the enormous hall, eerie green soul flames flickered silently in the niches, illuminating several faces that were either gloomy, violent, or eerie.

On the central Netherworld Throne, the Sect Master Mingyu was shrouded in a thick, gray-black Netherworld mist, revealing only a pair of blood-red eyes that were now flashing with icy rage and a hint of...greed.

In the center of the hall, a phantom light screen was repeatedly playing a fragmented yet breathtaking scene: it was the scene of Wang Cheng burning his life essence, activating the Chaos Mark to transform into a cocoon of light, enduring Elder Yin Gu's furious attack, and accelerating his escape! The scene froze on Wang Cheng's resolute gaze and the chaotic vortex that seemed to devour everything flowing on the cocoon of light.

"Useless!" A hoarse voice, like sandpaper scraping, rang out from the first seat on the left, where a figure shrouded in a blood-red cloak that seemed to be woven from countless vengeful spirits sat—Elder Blood Nether.

He exuded a nauseating aura of blood and death. "Yin Gu, you, a dignified Void Refinement cultivator, leading the elite of the Shadow Assassin Hall, actually let a Nascent Soul junior escape? And even lost Shadow Five and Shadow Six?" His voice was filled with undisguised contempt and killing intent.

The Yin Bone Elder, who was breathing heavily, knelt on one knee, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

He suppressed his humiliation and fear, and hissed, "Sect Master, Elders, it's not that I'm incompetent! It's just that Yu Changsheng's protective methods are too bizarre! That Chaos Mark... the level of the primordial laws it contains is extremely high, far beyond what an ordinary Void Refinement Realm cultivator could possess! The power it unleashed in an instant was able to briefly contend with my 'Netherworld Soul Shattering Claw'! And Wang Cheng, the strength of his Overlord Body is simply inconceivable. Even when he was severely injured and on the verge of death, he could still unleash power that could tear apart a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator! These two must have obtained the earth-shattering inheritance from the Ancient Ruins of the Burial Gods!"

He raised his head, his eyes flashing with a mixture of fanaticism and fear, his voice trembling with excitement.

"Sect Master! The intelligence is absolutely reliable! The core of Li Xiao's Soul Lamp's message is correct! What Yu Changsheng possesses is no ordinary Void Refinement secret! That Chaos Power... that Returning to the Void Sword Intent... and those six terrifying Source Beasts... are very likely remnants of ancient gods, or even... fragments of supreme laws that touch upon the 'Dao Source'! If our Xuanming Sect can obtain it, how can we not overwhelm those old immortal sects in the Central Continent? Recreating the might of the ancient Netherworld Lord is not an exaggeration!"

"Fragments of the Dao Source..."

A fleeting voice, seemingly emanating from the deepest recesses of the Netherworld, rang out. The speaker was Elder Soul Locker, sitting opposite Elder Blood Nether, his form as ethereal as smoke. He toyed with a writhing, wailing Soul-Bearing Pearl in his hand, his empty eye sockets "looking" towards the Netherworld.

"What Yin Gu said may have been wrong, but... the aura of that chaotic mark, transmitted through this 'Tracing Shadow Soul Crystal', does indeed have the flavor of 'Source'. Neither immortal nor demon, encompassing all things, annihilating all things... such power is worth risking everything for."

The divine senses of the inner sect elders in the hall clashed fiercely, a mixture of greed, caution, and killing intent. Elder Xue Ming coldly snorted, "Even so, Yin Gu has failed in his duties, suffering heavy losses and exposing his intentions. He should be severely punished!"

"The most urgent matter is Qingzhou!" Mingyu's icy voice, like the scraping of metal, finally rang out, silencing all the arguments. His scarlet eyes swept over Yin Gu, making him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

"Yin Gu, your guilt will be discussed later. Since you have personally come into contact with that chaotic power, you will assist Soul Lock in analyzing its characteristics as soon as possible and finding a way to restrain or assimilate it."

He turned his gaze to Elder Lock Soul: "Locking Soul, you shall take my 'Netherworld Prison Token' and personally lead a unit of the 'Blood Soul Guard' with the 'Nine Nether Soul Suppressing Banner' and the 'Boundary Breaking Cone' to secretly infiltrate the outskirts of Qingzhou within three days."

For the time being, we will avoid a direct confrontation with Yu Changsheng.

There are two tasks: First, capture Wang Cheng or Chen Xueqing alive at all costs! They are relatively weak and are Yu Changsheng's confidants, so they must know his core secrets and weaknesses!

Secondly, to ascertain the strength and weakness of Qingzhou's defenses, especially the nodes of the Chaos Array and the recovery status of Yu Changsheng's injuries!

Finally, he looked at Xue Ming: "Xue Ming, the sect has entered a state of high alert and opened the 'Ten Thousand Souls Blood Pool.' All core disciples and elders can enter to absorb the power of blood souls to improve themselves according to their contributions!"
At the same time, utilize all available covert networks to closely monitor the movements of other top forces in Zhongzhou, especially the 'Heavenly Mystery Pavilion' and the 'Myriad Laws Immortal Sect.' Any unusual activity must be reported immediately! Yu Changsheng and his legacy can only belong to the Xuanming Sect! If necessary… I will personally intervene to activate the 'Netherworld Blood Sea Projection'!

"As the sect leader commands!" Lock Soul and Blood Darkness responded simultaneously, their eyes flashing with cold light.

Yin Gu quickly kowtowed, feeling somewhat relieved, but Yu Changsheng's earth-shattering figure and the terrifying power of the Chaos Return to Nothingness Slash had left an indelible shadow of fear in his heart. He knew that the next confrontation would be even more brutal.

The secret meditation chamber under reconstruction in the Qingzhou Imperial City.

Wang Cheng sat cross-legged, his body enveloped in a thick, liquid-like golden radiance, with faint traces of chaotic energy flowing between them. His bare upper body was covered with bulging muscles as if cast from divine metal, and was covered with a mix of old and new scars. Among them were several deep wounds that revealed the bone, which were the marks left by Elder Yin Bone. At this moment, under the influence of the chaotic radiance and the source of his Overlord Body, they were healing and strengthening at a speed visible to the naked eye.

A storm was raging within his sea of ​​consciousness. The near-death experience, the primal baptism of the Chaos Mark erupting, the Daoist essence of Returning to Nothingness unintentionally dissipated during Yu Changsheng's battle… all these fragments were forcibly blended and fused together under his unwavering will. He seemed to return to the final moment of his life-or-death struggle with Elder Yin Gu, to the ghostly claws tearing at his soul, the soul-devouring poisonous fire that burned away his life force… the chill of death intertwined with the vast warmth of chaos.

"The Blood of Tyrant... is not just about strength... but also about will... and immortality... is not just about the physical body... but also about the soul..." Yu Changsheng's words echoed in my heart.

"Roar—!" A defiant, bloodthirsty roar exploded in his mind!

Wang Cheng's will was like steel refined through a hundred trials; under the dual tempering of death and chaos, it shattered that invisible barrier!
Within him, the immense power of his blood and qi was no longer merely a surging river, but began to transform into a more condensed, more restrained "domain," seemingly capable of encompassing the stars and the universe.

Within his dantian, the dimmed Chaos Mark bestowed upon him by Yu Changsheng was now activated, actively releasing a wisp of incomparably pure Chaos Origin Power that merged into the nascent form of his newly formed "Dominator Blood Domain".

Om-!
The quiet room suddenly trembled!
The golden light emanating from Wang Cheng's body suddenly receded, disappearing entirely into his body. He slowly opened his eyes, and within them, the golden light seemed to contain a chaotic nebula, its existence and transformation intertwined.
A vast aura, as solid as a mountain, as fierce as a volcano, yet carrying a hint of unpredictable chaos, naturally emanated from it.

Although this aura was not as earth-shattering as the pressure of Yu Changsheng's Void Refinement Realm, it had far exceeded the limit of the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm and reached a completely new level—half-step Void Refinement!
He felt the surging, seemingly inexhaustible power within his body, especially the nascent "Overlord Blood Chaos Domain," and the trace of true primordial chaos power contained within it. (End of Chapter)