Above Destiny

Chapter 807 Medicine and Poison

At this moment, the altar appeared, and the secret ritual began to operate.

Azure flames surged like a tide, giant eyes opened, and the bounty of decay descended in an endless stream.

In the instant of deathly silence, Ji Jue seemed frozen, standing motionless in place.

Nearly petrified, unable to breathe.

Hui Nao merely smiled contemptuously, full of mockery, and looked at him with the same utter amusement... quietly waiting for him to sink deeper into the mire and be unable to extricate himself.

It just goes to show that sometimes people just love the contrast.

People have nothing better to do, they live too well, they eat too much, so they like to send respectable women into prostitution, and countless masterpieces have been born as a result.

Scenes that are entertaining and enjoyable in entertainment works are like nightmares in reality, even more terrifying than death.

Now, Ji Jue finally understands why this guy was given such a name by Zhifu.

That's absolutely disgusting.

Killing someone isn't just about killing them; it's about destroying their spirit too. Win or lose, once you're involved, it's like getting mud into your rotten pants. It's like a saintly woman who's turned the tide in a battle between good and evil suddenly starting to moan and groan in front of everyone.

The artisan's transformation into a demon, his immersion in the depths of darkness—how pleasing to the ear!
If Ji Jue loses, Hui Nao doesn't even need to kill him. You Sui will keep him forever as a trophy and specimen to constantly humiliate the Association and Yu Jin. Even if he dies, he can still be made into a specimen and hung in front of You Sui's gate.

Even if Ji Jue wins, so what?

If this entanglement drags on for too long, one is destined to be tainted by stagnation and corruption, suffering endless torment. One can imagine that, amidst repeated reviews from the association and numerous disapproving glances and doubts, one will eventually stray from the right path and give up entirely…

Ji Jue's body seemed to tremble, unable to support itself.

Trembling.

I can't take it anymore, I'm almost at my breaking point.

This refers to acting skills...

He's still too young. Unlike the old dog fishing above, he doesn't seem to be able to handle things with ease. He seems exhausted by now and is about to burst out laughing.

Leaving aside the curses that are devoured by the Demonic Reflection like snacks, let's just talk about the taint of stagnation and decay. No, brother, are you sure you're not mistaken?
Did you mix flour into your product?

Why is the quality of the food completely different from what I ate at the Jianyuan training class? They just throw two grains of salt into a big pot of water, stir it, and it has absolutely no flavor!
It was far too bland.

There's no way around it, the master craftsman's goods are just too pure!
The true value of the Candle Illumination Technique was once again proven in the elaborate sacrifice performed by Hui Nao. If Hui Nao hadn't brought it out, he almost wouldn't have realized it.

Hmm? You're in? It's okay, you've done a great job, don't be discouraged, you've already tried your best.

But, as a warrior of justice, what should I do next?

"--wishful thinking!"

After a long period of contemplation, Ji Jue finally came to his senses, his anger and disdain mixed with a mix of three parts fury, three parts contempt, three parts disdain, and ninety-one parts determination, as he roared in fury.

In the mire, amidst the entanglement of stagnant and decaying essence, Ji Jue resolutely raised his hand, pulled out handful after handful of Chun Jun swords, and plunged them into his forehead, lungs, and heart.

The spiritual energy permeated the body, which in turn shackled its own soul. The three phases circulated, solidifying the mutated parts of its body, forcibly locking the progress, and inhibiting materialization!

I, Ji Jue, am a dignified man, upright and honorable. I was born a member of the Association, and I will die a ghost of the ashes. Even if my bones are gone, I will never associate with you bastards!
As the sword pierced through, the silver light of the steel body flowed once more, carving through the mud and stepping out step by step toward the sneering mire, drawing its sword!

Let me offer this up!
The final dance I, as a craftsman, performed for the embers!
With a flick of his finger, purple lightning and black flames shot out like a torrential rain, only to be completely extinguished by the light-devouring lamp held in Hui Nao's hand. Right beneath his feet, the color of marble spread silently, and the sheer cliffs and fortified city in the void became even more stable, as immovable as a mountain.

Once he stopped concealing his intentions, the entire struggle had degenerated into a pure war of attrition, a contest of resources and reserves between the two sides.

He doesn't need to do anything, just stall for time.

Time is on his side!
Everything unfolded as he had imagined, even better than he had envisioned. Wasn't this precisely what he had been trying to achieve by constantly provoking and inciting Ji Jue to attack him?

The gifts of decay continue to flow; what are precious gifts to the Deep are, to the Embers, a corrupting poison capable of utterly distorting both body and soul.

The more he interferes with alchemy now, the richer the rewards he receives—he's courting death!
Even before the battle began, Hui Nao had already used his authority to requisition a large number of creations within the Abyss. To guard against the destruction caused by the Disintegration Spell, he chose to win by sheer quantity, not caring if Ji Jue destroyed ten, a hundred, or a thousand items, as the moldy reserves in the Abyss warehouse were already countless.

Even if you invest a lot, it's still worth it, and you don't even need to win.

As long as we persevere, until Ji Jue can no longer hold on and is completely corrupted, that will be enough!
The rusty iron fist of the Dragon Mountain slammed into the projection on the cliff face, causing the rift to tremble violently. Meanwhile, the filthy creature presiding over the ritual on the altar remained completely still.

"If you ask me, there's no need to keep arguing like this, Mr. Ji."

A voice of regret arose, chattering on and on: "Such fine materials and beautiful jade are rare in the world, so why draw a circle around ourselves and imprison ourselves within the association?"
Even in the deepest darkness, isn't there an endless road ahead?

“Okay, I can join the Deep.”

Ji Jue's voice rang out, unwavering: "Just ask the Grandmaster to kill you to avenge me—I think You Sui understands this choice, right?"

"no problem!"

Hui Nao said decisively without hesitation, "As long as Mr. Ji is willing to put aside all resistance and receive the essence of stagnation and decay, what's wrong with killing a piece of trash like me?"

In that instant, two faces, both hidden in the shadows, revealed the same contempt and mockery.

That's utterly delusional.

Both sides were fully aware of this. Just as Hui Nao knew that even if Ji Jue belonged to You Sui, he would never let him go.

He would absolutely not give Ji Jue the chance to leave the Rift alive.

The better the material, the more it must be completely destroyed.

Even if a master craftsman emerges in the deepest place ten or a hundred years from now, it is absolutely impossible if it comes at the cost of one's own life!

A living Ji Jue will only cause endless trouble, while a dead, corrupted Ji Jue can truly become a stepping stone for one's further progress.

Even if Ji Jue were to release all resistance and undergo the transformation, the filthy swamp that now controls the ritual would still push things along, directly shoving him into a state of complete objectification and loss of control, turning him into a mutated creation.

This child is terrifying; he must not be allowed to live!

At this moment, while both sides tacitly deal with each other, haggle and haggle over every penny, the necessary actions and precautions never cease.

Even worse!
boom!!!
A storm of blood and fire erupted once more, and a four-sided, spinning sword of light and heat burst forth from Long Shan's hand, slashing decisively. Jing Zhen was struck, and the sounds of shattering echoed continuously.

Beneath the filthy mire, defensive artifacts shattered one after another, yet more artifacts appeared in the briefcase, spending lavishly and without regard for cost-effectiveness in resisting the impact.

At crucial moments, the scabbard in his hand would tremble slightly, maximizing the interference with the operation of the Nine Forms and suppressing Ji Jue's performance.

The Light-Swallowing Lamp erased all light and heat, turning a scorching red as it was held in his hand, hissing softly.

Right in front of him, Ji Jue's movements suddenly stopped for a moment.

The essence, flowing and permeating in countless strands, has gathered in Ji Jue's body, his hands, his chest, his face, almost reaching his very bones.

Ji Jue abruptly stopped.

A futile struggle, like waiting for the last straw to fall.

No! I can't laugh yet! I have to hold it in, I absolutely have to!

Hui Nao suppressed the urge to smirk, widened her eyes, and the hourglass behind her suddenly reversed. After consuming a massive amount of materials, the ritual entered a new phase.

Suddenly, the blessings increased dramatically!
boom!
Ji Jue raised his hand, pointing it at his face without hesitation.

Jing Zhen!
The metal face shattered completely, countless parts peeled off, revealing its twisted and broken intricate structure. Cracks covered the metal skull, which he had almost completely smashed himself.

Next, there are the hands on the chest.

Without hesitation, it stripped away all material parts, replaced them, and restored them to their original state. Pure Jun penetrated through them, once again shackled the soul and body, and froze them completely.

Once again, fully restored!
Those blood-red eyes looked at Hui Nao once more, causing his expression to twitch for a moment.

This is absolutely insane!
Even if the reborn form can be repaired at will, it doesn't mean there is no pain. Moreover, with the overlap and transformation of the reborn form, body, and soul, the soul will also suffer severe damage and heart-wrenching pain.

Even if it is completely repaired, it still weakens itself. It's like taking a knife and digging the abscess out of your body. Every time, it's like cutting into your own life, completely removing the deformed part.

"Come on, let's continue."

Ji Jue laughed loudly, his mechanical face burning red amidst the swirling purple lightning and black flames, looking as ferocious as a demon, as he strode forward.

Despite the heavy protective measures, Hui Nao's eyelids twitched wildly.

court death!

It's like drinking poison to quench thirst; once materialism begins, it can't be stopped. Even if it's eliminated or replaced, as long as the ritual remains, the backlash will only intensify and become inexhaustible.

He could see that the gift of stagnation and decay was already deeply rooted in Ji Jue's soul!

So close!
Just a little bit more!

Just a little bit more...

But why is it still a little short?!

In a moment of bewilderment, Hui Nao heard a deafening roar as cracks finally appeared on the projection of the cliff.

The berserk, mutated Dragon Mountain Giant has almost completely degenerated into a beast, its dragon blood thirstily devouring everything, even swallowing the mud and the fragments after disintegration.

Countless iron plates converged, and two grotesque, curved horns slowly grew from the distorted face, pointing forward. The mere stomp unleashed a torrent of gravity.

Once again, a sudden impact caused the entire altar to tremble and shake for a moment.

What made Hui Nao's expression even more uncontrollable was a moment of gloom.

Longshan is merely a facade, nothing to fear; it's nothing more than the rage of wild beasts. The more dangerous, the more crucial element, is Ji Jue! Ji Jue, who controls everything!

On the very back of Longshan Mountain, amidst the entanglement and erosion of emerald flames, a metallic face stared intently at him, grinning savagely.

The silver light in his eyes rose endlessly, like flames.

Intense and fierce.

Even with an immense burden, they remain unwavering, resolutely running down a dead end without ever looking back!

He doesn't want to win, nor does he want to live.

All he needs to do is tear his opponent to pieces!

Hui Nao remained motionless, but his fingers involuntarily twitched, and he felt a chill on the back of his head—cold sweat.

time!

Time, without him realizing it, had already stopped being on his side.

It had been too long, far too long, so long that he even began to doubt whether everything before his eyes was an illusion, and why Ji Jue was still standing strong!
First, there was the last dance, then the dance within the dance of the last dance, followed by the dance within the dance within the dance!
Just when he thought it was finally over, he picked up the bottle cap and discovered, great, he'd won a prize in his drink—the prize was another dance!
Stop it, stop jumping, bro!

If he hadn't been forcibly restraining himself and putting on an act, he probably would have already been showing his anger and impatience by now.

He's about to collapse!
The same stagnant blessing, the same essence erosion, the same weight... How could he, the master craftsman of the deep, be the first to give in?!

Once the ritual begins, there is no distinction between friend and foe. No matter how much Ji Jue bears, he will receive just as much, even if he doesn't want it!
The palm of his hand was already showing signs of melting, about to melt into sludge and completely merge into his own realm. If this continued, if Ji Jue didn't fall, he would become a mutated creation.

Should we stop? Can we stop? Do we dare to stop?

It's like flooring the gas pedal in a speeding car. While the passenger closes their eyes and doesn't care, it's the person pressing the gas pedal who starts sweating.

Under immense pressure, Ji Jue was still able to kill his way to him. Once he was freed, he probably wouldn't even have time to catch his breath before facing an opponent who had no more scruples!

Why the hell do you think you are?!
The beast of Longshan roared and opened its mouth.

The light and heat of Zhanlu surged forth!

In Hui Nao's hands, the light of the Devouring Light Lamp trembled intermittently. His eyes widened as his melting fingers slowly flowed and entangled on the ancient scabbard, once again activating its effects.
Suppress Zhanlu!

But at that very moment, he heard a mournful cry, right in his own hands.

The scabbard shattered!

All Ji Jue did was cause the Hanxiang Mirror to tremble slightly, nothing more!

Unfortunately, it's not that the scabbard was ineffective, nor that Ye Zhun had provided a counterfeit product, but rather that Ji Jue was simply not within the scabbard's intended target range from the very beginning!

The difference between the inner and outer branches of the Nine Forms is as vast as the heavens and the earth. You bring me a tool to deal with collateral branches and outsiders, and order the current head of the family swordsmith, the true disciple of the direct line.

Are you fucking mistaken about something?!

Huina was stunned, and before she could be shocked, she instinctively raised the Light-Swallowing Lamp, only to see the endless light and heat disappear... All the intense light had been transformed into pure kinetic energy.

A thunderous tremor struck!

boom!!!!

The cracks on the illusory cliff face spread and expanded again. Before anyone could react, the beast of Dragon Mountain crashed into them, causing mountains to collapse and destroying the last line of defense.

The swamp erupted, the silt boiled, rose, spread, and swallowed everything. The body of the filthy creature suddenly disappeared from its original spot, even abandoning the altar, instinctively fleeing into the distance... But when it realized there was no way to escape, what it saw was a hideous face gradually rising from the end of the darkness.

Longshan grinned.

Where are you planning to go?

Atop the colossal beast, Ji Jue smiled, calmly surveying the scene with curiosity: "Now, tell me, who exactly is courting death?"

Hui Nao's expression twitched, and she forced a smile, trying to open her mouth.

boom!!!
Blood splattered as his body was gripped tightly in Dragon Mountain's Claw, which held it firmly without hesitation before slamming it down with its backhand.

Amidst the earth-shaking tremors, the altar crumbled and cracked.

As Ji Jue snapped his fingers, countless spiritual swords descended from the sky, pinning him to the altar and the spot where he was to be sacrificed.

"Wait……"

By the time he realized what had happened, it was too late.

The person in charge of the ceremony was instantly replaced and forcibly taken from his hands. Now, the person stepping on the gas pedal is the passenger!
The hourglass trembled and flipped over again!
The number of evil beings has increased dramatically!

The giant eye descended inch by inch, getting closer than ever before. As the stagnant and corrupt looked down, endless streams of emerald fire and eerie light flowed and converged on the filthy mire.

What are you waiting for? I'm getting impatient!

Get the hell out of here!
Ji Jue ruthlessly activated the secret ritual, coldly looking down. "If you like the transformation of evil so much, then let it be thorough!"

This will save us from wasting food and becoming disliked!

A mournful wail erupted, echoing throughout the rift.

Right before everyone's eyes, the altar exploded with a deafening roar, and endless darkness surged and spread, engulfing everything.

When everything vanished, the Great Evil Manifestation and the Azure Flame disappeared without a trace. In the deathly silence, only Ji Jue stood there indifferently, and at his feet was a mass of writhing mud decorated with countless bones.

Filthy faces wailed and wept blood.

The remaining instincts continue to struggle, trying to escape, but where can they escape to?
Under Jing Zhen's influence, it completely evaporated.

dead!
The outcome is decided.

Even though he was covered in wounds and entangled in materialism, the one standing in the rift at this moment was still Ji Jue!

Amidst the surging, deafening roar, a colossal figure forcefully burst forth from the darkness, enraged, and strode towards the rift.

Just before the rift appeared, the phantom of the clock tower faintly appeared, and the old dragon that had been coiled on the clock tower as if dozing off opened its eyes and looked at him.

Full of curiosity.

They just sent so many guys to their deaths, and now that they're desperate for a win, they want to bully the kids?
If you can't handle the risk, don't play!

The duel hasn't even started yet!

The clock tower asked curiously, "What's going on, White Cliff? Is You Su trying to break the rules?"

The demon of suffering in the shadows remained silent, then sneered and glanced at Ji Jue: "I just wonder if the talents of the association, having become so arrogant, dare to continue."

Ji Jue turned around, glanced at him expressionlessly, and then, right in front of him, pulled out a cane that looked familiar, eager to try it out.

crutch?

and many more!

In a moment of stunned surprise, the dark figure suddenly trembled, instinctively taking a step back, glancing at the distant furnace with wary eyes.

But then, they saw the cane in Ji Jue's hand dissolve inch by inch, turning back into viscous mercury.

It's just a pretty face!

Just as they realized what was happening, they finally heard a cold laugh.

Close at hand.

"Ah……"

In front of him, Ji Jue walked out of the rift step by step, dragging along the mercury rope in his hand a series of unrecognizable remains.

And so, I calmly and casually brushed past him.

She even glanced back at him, a half-smile on her face: "One by one, they're all putting on an act... There really isn't anything in the deep abyss."

At this moment, no one responded.

Only a deafening roar echoed across the sea and sky, and the towering Pillar of Destruction trembled violently, with countless fragments falling like a torrential rain.

Sinking into turmoil, the sea of ​​suffering boils.

After repeated accumulation and transformation, it seemed as if it could no longer bear the burden. Under the continuous wear and tear of the same craftsman, a deep crack emerged from the very center.

For example, a sword strike is so brutal!
Tianlu grinned silently and glanced at the person opposite him: "Old Man Anvil, how does it feel?"

"He is indeed Ye Xian's student... sharp-minded and fierce, with a terrifying aura, even surpassing his teacher."

The old man remained calm, showing no belittling or contempt, but rather a heartfelt praise: "It is truly remarkable that the association has such a talented individual."

"That's just more bullshit."

Tianlu laughed and shook his head, "Whether he's fierce and terrifying or not is another matter, but it's not because he's Ye Xian's student."

Ye Xian, Ji Jue.

Teachers and students alike are equally indifferent and cruel, equally arrogant and self-centered.

But their essence is completely different.

No matter how similar they may look, their origins are completely different.

One appears strict, but is actually a thorough idealist who cannot tolerate even the slightest impurity. The other appears easygoing, but is a ruthless pragmatist who doesn't care about any consequences.

Ye Xian looked down on You Sui and the Association; he was merely indifferent.

Ji Jue, on the other hand, simply didn't care.

Whether it's secluded or an association, it doesn't matter.

He joined the association simply because it happened to be on the path he had chosen.

He traveled thousands of miles to fight the Deep, not because of any faction, but simply because... he saw it as a stumbling block and a pollutant.

They cannot tolerate the other person's existence in front of them, nor can they tolerate having such a person in the same world as them.

That's it!

"You wanted to see a strong person, didn't you, Anvil Elder? The fine talent you wanted to see is right before your eyes. It's just a pity that he has nothing to do with your stagnant and rotten garbage."

Heavenly Furnace raised its head and declared resolutely: "You are destined to be enemies!"

The old man with the mortar lowered his eyes, unwavering. He glanced at the receding figure and finally chuckled softly, "That sounds really nice."

“Next,” he said.

Thus, the struggle continued, and the fighting continued.

It never stopped.

However, compared to the achievements Ji Jue had made before, it was becoming increasingly dull.

A day passed quickly, and after several rounds of competition, surprisingly few people inquired about or discussed it.

Whether it be the Association and the Deep Abyss, or even the present world and the vortex, the eyes of all bystanders and witnesses are drawn to the same person.

His departure was uneventful, but his return has attracted worldwide attention.

Just before the Heavenly Pivot, Gustav, who had been waiting for a long time, along with three council members, presented the returning Ji Jue with the Master's badge in front of everyone.
This is the declaration for the entire present world!
Once an unknown craftsman, he has now transformed into a highly sought-after master in the association, even breaking his previous record. With less than two years of experience as a craftsman, he has risen above countless fellow craftsmen, becoming an undeniable focus of attention.

No one questioned this, and there wasn't even a single voice of opposition. Apart from shock and envy, no other emotions could arise.

The battle between the Embers and the Corruption, the war between the Association and the Deep, was originally intended as the first day of the selection competition and warm-up. However, Ji Jue single-handedly defeated ten opponents in a row, achieving an unprecedented and terrifying record that was a slap in the face to everyone.

Anyone with a brain should understand the value of this.

Never before has there been such a straightforward and clear display, nor such a rigorous test and struggle. Ten matches, creation, skill, inheritance, matrix, patience, operation, and even everything about oneself—everything was flawless!
The true Chosen One of Ember, a talent unseen for decades or even centuries, a powerful being capable of shaking the entire situation, is created today!

"All things transform themselves, all things come together on their own..."

Before the furnace at the deepest part of the abyss, amidst the surging emerald flames, the old man with the anvil tossed the materials in his hand into the flames and sighed with emotion: "To hone the mortal essence of the abyss into the divine craftsmanship of embers, this sword has probably been hidden away for a long time, hasn't it?"

He said, "Tianlu's skills are truly remarkable."

"Are you furious?"

The distant shadow outside the workshop sneered, "I thought Lord Anvil was as unmoved as a mountain, but it seems his magnanimity may not be as lofty as rumored."

"I am not some omniscient, all-knowing monster. In the face of true worldly destiny, I am ultimately just an ordinary person."

Temporary gains and losses, though insignificant to the overall situation, can still cause frustration.

The old man turned around and looked at the guest he had invited, and suddenly asked, "I heard that you had dealings with that young man before?"

"Yes."

What do you think?

"Haven't you already tested me? Why bother with all this pretense?"

Kengen glanced at him and said slowly, "While he is indeed a talented and promising individual, you should give up on those thoughts as soon as possible."

"Why?" the old man asked.

Kengen reached out, flicked his finger, and retrieved a dagger that had been nurtured for a long time from the furnace. He looked down at it, and with a slight tremor of his wrist, cracks appeared on the dagger.

The winding cracks traced across the face reflected in the mirror.

“There are many talented people and beautiful jade in the world, but they are all completely different from one another.”

Some people are medicine, some are poison, and some are somewhere in between, indistinguishable yet irresistibly alluring… It is precisely this that compels self-proclaimed extraordinary individuals to open their mouths and risk their lives to try them.

Kengen tossed the dagger back into the stove and sighed meaningfully, "By the time you realize something is wrong after you've eaten it, it will be too late to regret it."

Why make things difficult for yourself?

"...I don't think so."

Under the glow of the emerald fire, a certain light appeared in the old man's eyes, and he smiled silently: "What does it matter whether it's poison or medicine?"

Medicine is valued for its purity, while poison is valued for its potency.

What is there that is difficult to distinguish?
When you start to wonder what you're holding, you should already know in your heart that if it's truly a bitter medicine, what is there to hesitate about?
The only things causing this are regret and wishful thinking.

However, when a potent poison is mixed into a good medicine, it is no longer pure. Having thrown itself into the embers, why does it become entangled with decay and stagnation, and why does it possess such astonishing compatibility and adaptability?

Perhaps, from the very beginning, Ji Jue didn't care about the difference between the two.

So what?
This instinctive arrogance had already sealed its fate.

Whether you care or not is not the point at all. Just like Kengen's status as the master craftsman of the Youxiu Sect, even if he had not suffered any misfortune, how could it have affected him in the slightest?
The moment Ji Jue stopped caring, he had already gone mad.

In the deathly silence of the darkness, the old man who made the anvil said nothing more, gazing at the flames in the furnace with anticipation.

No need to rush, it's just a little bit more done.

Just a little bit more.

After such a long wait, why would we mind a few more days and nights?

hold on.

Before long, when Ji Jue realizes that what he sought was nothing but a mirage, an illusion, he will understand where the true path lies...

At this moment, when Ji Jue opened his eyes again and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling in front of him, the real question arose in his mind.

Don't tell me where I came from or where I'm going.

First, tell me, where the hell am I?!
　It's the end of the month, please vote for me!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)