Walking alone with a sword, slaying ghosts and gods

Chapter 603 Two Flags Shake the Sky, Startling the Crane's Cry; Secret Discussion in the Dark Chamber, a Battle of Wits (Seeking Rewards and Subscriptions!)

The five sect-protecting flying ships, namely Tianzhu, Miedi, Tumo, Lianyao, and Juling, are not ninth-tier flying ships, but eighth-tier ones. However, compared to normal magic treasures, these large flying ships are practically mobile worlds or flying continents.

Size itself is a form of power.

Because of their immense size, coupled with the eighth-order peak formation laid upon them, these creations, which are theoretically only eighth-order, are extremely powerful magic treasures in battles between Mahayana cultivators, provided they are properly refined. In ordinary times, they are almost like a portable grotto-heaven, providing a continuous stream of massive resources to the cultivator in charge.

If the Heavenly Punishment Flying Ship could be upgraded to the ninth rank, its power would be comparable to a tenth-rank pseudo-immortal artifact, or even surpass its overall value. It was the dream of countless cultivators who had led the Taiqing Sect throughout the ages.

However, they did not know that this dream had already been achieved, but in a way that they had not imagined.

Humans need to cultivate themselves, and so does the true spirit.

The true spirit gathered on the Heavenly Punishment Flying Ship remained hidden and unmoved, quietly watching as generations of Taiqing Sect cultivators poured massive amounts of resources into it, and honestly and unceremoniously digested them all.

The Spirit Lord Association accepts members, but does not take in too many Spirit Race members. Instead, it takes in races similar to humans or those who cultivate after birth, such as the Outer Path Heavenly Demons. They take in more innate True Spirits, such as the first white bat and white crane in the world, and the True Spirit born from the Heavenly Punishment Flying Ship of the Taiqing Sect.

To avoid the excessive influx of powerful races such as the Spirit Clan and the Heretical Heavenly Demon Clan, which could distort the existing power structure of the Spirit Venerable Association.

Through the information obtained from Ji Ming, Lu Cheng learned that the destruction of the Eastern Extreme Creation Heavenly Palace, the extermination of the former Machine God Clan, and even the recent calamity of the Western Extreme Zen Temple were all orchestrated by the Spirit Venerable Society.

This organization has existed in the Immortal Realm for countless years, and even its members must cultivate and improve themselves to withstand the Heavenly Tribulation.

The process requires some spiritual objects: such as fragments of Buddhist treasures that are crystallized from accumulated merit.

Similar methods are also used by evil spirits and heretics in the mortal world: for example, demonic cultivators implant a dragon pearl into a vicious dragon that has been cultivating for hundreds of years in the mortal world, and take advantage of the dragon's nature to stir up trouble, kill the good and innocent, and accumulate evil energy.

Once the dragon pearl is sufficiently cooked, the demonic cultivators will step in to slay the dragon. This way, they will accumulate less sin and might even gain some merit.

The same principle applies to the fragments of Buddhist treasures at Xiji Zen Temple. One would have to perform countless good deeds and accumulate immense merit to finally crystallize a single fragment. It would be better to trade the method of refining spiritual treasures to these Buddhist cultivators. They would then refine the treasures themselves, and one could conveniently assist them when necessary. This way, one wouldn't have to dirty their own hands to obtain the treasures to aid in the cultivation of secret techniques…

Deep within the Xuan Yuan Cave Heaven on the main peak of Taiqing Mountain, Lu Cheng sat cross-legged on a cloud bed.

In the void before him, two small blue and red flags floated silently, emanating a powerful aura that was both distinctly different yet equally earth-shattering.

On the left, the Blood River Banner fluttered in the wind, its surface seemingly forged from the blood and souls of countless lives. Thick, flowing blood light permeated the air, thick with an irresistible stench of blood and resentment. Within it, the phantoms of blood dragons seemed to fight and roar. With each flutter of the banner's corners, it was as if thousands of wronged souls were silently howling, shaking the very soul.

To the right lay the newly acquired Netherworld Banner. This banner was entirely blue-black, neither cloth nor silk, seemingly formed from the condensed Netherworld energy of the deepest abyss. Countless twisted, vengeful demonic faces floated and sank on its surface, emanating a chilling, deathly aura that pierced the very soul. Wisps of Netherworld energy seeped out, causing the temperature within the cave to plummet. A thin layer of black frost quietly covered the ground and stone walls, and the space itself seemed to thicken and stagnate under its influence, isolating Yin and Yang and sealing off reincarnation.

This flag was previously unknown, but it is a treasure within the Spirit Lord Society. Its quality and supernatural powers are in no way inferior to the Blood River Flag.

At this moment, Daoist Lu Cheng's eyes were closed, and his hand gestures changed like phantoms.

He was using the "Nine Netherworld Return to the Underworld Secret Record" method given by Ji Ming to gradually erase the divine soul imprint that Ji Ming had left deep within the Netherworld Banner, and to imprint his own magical power mark on it. This process was quite dangerous, as a tenth-order pseudo-immortal artifact had its own spirituality, especially since the death energy of the Nine Netherworld contained in this Netherworld Banner had an instinctive erosion and resistance to the souls of the living.

This treasure was collected and refined by cultivators of the Spirit Venerable Society at the very beginning of its creation. Over the past ten thousand years, the methods of refining it have become profound and extensive, which is why it was controlled and manipulated by a junior like Youyi Envoy Jiming.

Of course, Ji Ming's own magical power cultivation has also reached the peak of the ninth level of the Integration Realm. He should have come out to experience worldly affairs and temper his Dao heart. As long as he completes everything and achieves perfection, he can overcome the Great Ascension Heavenly Tribulation and truly master the Netherworld Flag.

"Edict!"

A soft shout resounded like thunder within the cave.

A wisp of pure, incomparably pure magical power, its color a chaotic gray, burst forth from Lu Cheng's fingertips. This wisp of pure magical power ignored the Netherworld Banner's instinctive resistance and ruthlessly pierced its core restriction.

Om-!
The Netherworld Banner suddenly trembled violently, and the countless vengeful demon faces on the banner emitted silent shrieks. An overwhelming and unstoppable cold tide from the Netherworld suddenly erupted, instantly turning the entire cave into a Netherworld ghost realm.

In an instant, countless ice crystal-like demonic shadows condensed out of thin air, and then bared their fangs and claws as they pounced on Lu Cheng.

"You demons and monsters, how dare you show yourselves?" Lu Cheng snorted coldly, and the Blood River Banner, which was floating to his side, moved forward on its own without needing to be activated.

The blood-red light surged forth, like a crimson river bursting its banks and surging outwards. Within the rolling blood waves, countless phantoms of ferocious beasts such as blood dragons, blood phoenixes, and qilin roared and surged, carrying with them the supreme yang energy that burned away filth and cleansed evil spirits, and crashed fiercely into the Netherworld Qi.

Lu Cheng was skilled in the Great Dao of Blood and had fused many kinds of true spirit bloodlines into his body. As his cultivation level increased, the Blood River Banner gradually exerted a power in his hands that far exceeded its reputation.

There was no earth-shattering explosion, only a kind of annihilation and devouring at the level of rules.

Blood and black energy collided and intertwined, like two primordial pythons fighting in the void!

On one side is the life-giving blood essence, brimming with resentment yet capable of giving birth to all things; on the other side is the deathly aura of the underworld, annihilating all things and freezing time and space.

The entire Xuan Yuan Cave Heaven trembled slightly and groaned under the weight of this collision.

The Blood River Banner had been with Lu Cheng for a long time and they were of one mind. Moreover, the essence of its power was in harmony with the "birth and death" of Lu Cheng's natal blood fire, making it more resilient.

In contrast, although the Netherworld Banner's magic was strong, it relied solely on reckless attacks and lacked finesse. After a brief stalemate, the crimson torrent gradually overwhelmed the black cold tide, melting and devouring the approaching demonic shadows inch by inch.

The Blood River Banner seemed to have received a great boost, and the blood-red light on its surface became even deeper and more eerie. Meanwhile, the resistance of the Netherworld Banner gradually weakened under the suppression of the Blood River and the continuous refinement of magic power from Lu City.

Finally, a mournful cry echoed in the void, and the last trace of Ji Ming's mark at the core of the Netherworld Banner was completely erased.

The pitch-black flag suddenly contracted, and all the overflowing nether energy instantly surged back, making the flag appear deep and restrained, like the darkest night. It no longer resisted, slowly merging into the magical system of Lu City itself.

Lu Cheng pondered for a moment, then focused the two magical treasures into his eyes.

Then he closed his eyes to cultivate and regulate his breathing, and time slowly passed, and he didn't know how much time had gone by.

When Daoist Lu Cheng opened his eyes again, deep within his pupils, his left eye seemed to be churning with blood, while his right eye gazed into the abyss.

With a slight thought, he leaped up and left Xuan Yuan Cave, arriving at the Gao Kou Mountains, holding the Blood River Flag in his left hand and the Netherworld Flag in his right.

Two flags stood apart, their blood-red aura soaring into the sky, obscuring the sun from the darkness. Yin and Yang, seemingly opposed yet under the command of Lu Cheng's incomparably powerful primordial spirit, formed a strange balance, vaguely creating a Tai Chi demonic diagram that seemed poised to cover the heavens and earth. Its power far surpassed that of either flag alone by ten times. It was as if, with a mere flick of the two flags, mountains and rivers could be overturned, and a new sea of ​​blood and darkness could be recreated!
Just as Lu Cheng had begun to grasp the two flags and was about to further comprehend their mysteries, a spirit talisman suddenly flew over.

"Master Sect Leader".

A clear, respectful female voice rang out; it belonged to Zhang Zhaodi, a true disciple of Lu Cheng.

“There is a person outside the mountain gate who requests an audience. This person’s aura is unfathomable. He said that he has been invited to meet the real person.”

The leader of the Taiqing Sect is not someone who can be seen by just anyone.

However, the receptionists at the main gates of major sects are all people with sharp eyes. When faced with cultivators whose origins are truly uncertain, they even have the authority to report back to the sect leader level by level.

The blood-red glint and eerie light in Lu Cheng's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a calm, unwavering expression. A faint, expected smile curved his lips.

"They've already arrived? As expected of the first white crane in the world. Lead that immortal to the 'Quiet Contemplation Courtyard' to wait. Dismiss everyone else; no one is allowed to approach within a hundred miles."

"Yes." Zhang Zhaodi accepted the order with a stern expression.

Lu Cheng had originally planned to continue refining the Spirit Clan's ninth-tier treasure, the Golden Dawn Divine Shuttle, but it now seemed that he didn't have the time.

The Spirit Clan's Heavenly Eye Venerable possesses profound magical power and cultivates both his physical body and magic. He is proficient in both Demon-Slaying Divine Light and Demonic Thunder Techniques. Apart from his slightly lacking escape technique, he has almost no weaknesses.

To compensate for this weakness, he chose to use an external magical artifact. The Golden Dawn Shuttle was meticulously crafted from ten thousand years of golden essence, with magical power slowly infused into it during the process, without using any fire energy. The front end consisted of ninety-eight willow-leaf-shaped steel plates, normally only a few inches in size, which, when activated by magical power, would suddenly expand to over three zhang in length, automatically closing to envelop the user. It was capable of anything, from flying to the sky, on land, and into the sea, possessing both speed and strong defense. Ordinary flying swords and magical artifacts would shatter upon impact with it. For prolonged flight, if the cultivator's magical power was sufficient, it might even surpass the two major escape techniques of Lu City by half a step. Only the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique could suppress it when both parties' magical power was equal.

With this treasure in his possession, coupled with Venerable Tianmu's own physical cultivation and immortality, normally speaking, there are no more than twenty Mahayana cultivators in this Earthly Immortal Realm who could kill him.

……

Jing Si Villa is located deep in a secluded bamboo forest near Biyuan Mountain. It is simple and elegant, and secluded from the outside world.

When Lu Cheng's figure appeared silently at the entrance of the villa, the mysterious man in a straw raincoat and bamboo hat was already standing under an old bamboo tree in the courtyard.

He was not tall, and even somewhat hunched over, but beneath his straw raincoat and bamboo hat, it seemed as if a vast and boundless ancient starry sky was hidden, or a majestic ice and snow volcano that had been dormant for hundreds of millions of years. Just by standing there, he made the entire courtyard space feel stagnant and heavy.

Lu Cheng pushed open the door and entered, casually setting up several layers of isolation barriers, completely transforming this place into an independent world.

"Distinguished guest, you have come from afar. I have failed to greet you properly." Lu Cheng's tone was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. "Sect Leader Lu, what skill! You defeated and killed six of them while fighting seven against one. Today, you have risked my child's life to lure this old Taoist here. May I ask what brings you here?"
"Should we also take the old Taoist's life along the way?" A hoarse, aged voice, yet imbued with a sense of vicissitude and authority, came from beneath the bamboo hat.

Lu Cheng did not answer directly, but simply flicked his sleeve.

hum!
Within the Jingsi Villa, ripples spread through the space as a figure suddenly appeared.

It was none other than the Netherwing Envoy, Ji Ming, who had been suppressed within the Nine Li Cauldron by Lu Zhen. However, at this moment, he no longer possessed the sinister arrogance he once displayed with the Netherworld Banner in hand. His face was pale, his eyes dim, and his cultivation at the Integration Stage was firmly locked by an invisible restriction; even his spiritual fluctuations appeared extremely weak. The moment he saw the man in the straw raincoat in the courtyard, Ji Ming trembled violently and cried out in alarm, "Father! Why are you here?"

That one word, "Father," completely revealed the mysterious man's identity.

The man in the straw raincoat slowly raised his hand and took off the straw hat that had covered everything.

What was revealed was a face covered with deep wrinkles, yet as vigorous as an ancient pine tree. His hair, eyebrows, and beard were all white as frost and snow, but what was most striking were his eyes. His pupils were not the black or brown of humans, but an extremely pure silver-white that seemed to be able to penetrate time and space.

His eyes were sharp and insightful, and carried an ancient majesty that came from his bloodline and looked down upon all living beings.

He was Ji Ming's father, one of the core elders of the Spirit Venerable Society, whose true form was said to be the true spirit transformed from the first white crane in the world, the Crane Venerable.

The claim that it was the first white crane in the world is probably unreliable, but the fact that its bloodline is unbroken is likely true.

Crane Lord's gaze lingered on Ji Ming for only a moment, a barely perceptible trace of sorrow flashing across his sharp, silvery-white pupils, instantly replaced by an even deeper chill.

Then, he looked at Lu Cheng and asked in a low voice, "Lu Jingxu, what do you intend to do?"

An invisible pressure, like a tangible tsunami, crashed down on Lu Cheng. The moment their eyes met, Lu Cheng seemed to see the world and everything in it covered by white feathers. Then, those white crane feathers transformed into streaks of sword light, slashing down from the sky and across the earth!

This was a terrifying pressure that surpassed that of ordinary late-stage Mahayana cultivators and True Spirit level beings.

The array and restrictions of the Jingsi Courtyard groaned under the strain, and the ground and bamboo leaves moved without wind, as if this world was about to completely collapse under the killing intent of Crane Lord.

According to Ji Ming, his father, Crane Lord, was among the top fighters in the Spirit Lord Society. If he were to go all out, the Purple Qi Sky-Patrolling Five Thunder Immortal Formation of the Taiqing Sect might not be able to stop him from killing someone and then escaping.

Lu Cheng stood at the center of that oppressive aura that could instantly shatter the souls of ordinary early-stage Mahayana cultivators. His figure was upright, his Daoist robe fluttering in the wind, yet his face remained calm.

The Mysterious Heaven Divine Art was quietly circulating within his body, and the auras of the Blood River Flag and the Netherworld Flag flowed subtly beneath his Taoist robe, steadily resisting this overwhelming pressure.

"Lord Crane, please calm your anger. I brought you here only to discuss a deal."

"A deal?" Crane Lord's silver eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp as needles, and the killing intent in the air intensified. "Use my son as a hostage? To make a deal with me under these circumstances? Lu Cheng, do you believe that I can massacre your Taiqing Sect at any time?"

Crane Lord's killing intent suddenly erupted; it was no longer a pressure, but a tangible, sharp killing intent as fierce as a peerless divine weapon.

The entire courtyard was instantly covered with spiderweb-like black cracks, a manifestation of space being torn apart by pure killing intent.

The heavens and earth changed color, and the bamboo forest silently turned to dust.

"The Crane Venerable certainly possesses such abilities; the Crane Venerable's escape techniques in this Earthly Immortal Realm are absolutely qualified to compete for the title of the best in the world."

Even our sect's protective mountain array cannot trap you unless it is constantly activated at full power.

"However, the news of Tianzhu and Huolin spread throughout the world. How will Lord Crane explain this to the Spirit Lord Society?"

These words were like a spell to freeze someone in place.

Crane Lord's overwhelming killing intent suddenly froze, and then the overwhelming pressure receded like a tide. The silver light in his eyes flashed intensely as he stared intently at Lu Cheng, his sharp gaze seemingly trying to pierce through Lu Cheng's primordial spirit and discern the truth of his words.

"You already know, but how much do you actually know?"

"We know everything we need to know, and it's certainly far more than you can imagine. To be honest, it's truly shocking. Once this list is made public, the entire Earthly Immortal Realm will probably be turned upside down and turned to the brink of destruction."

The term "Heavenly Punishment" naturally refers to the Heavenly Punishment Flying Ship, the head of the Taiqing Sect's Sky Patrol Fleet, whose true spirit is also one of the core members of the Spirit Venerable Society.

Huo Lin was the Earth Qilin who inherited the legacy of the Three Emperors Palace. Even Lu Cheng was surprised when he learned that he was also one of the founders of the Spirit Venerable Society.

Examples like this abound in the list of the Spirit Lords.

Therefore, Lu Cheng said that once this list is released, it will truly cause bloodshed and countless lives to be lost.

However, this matter did not have no impact on the Spirit Lord Society; in fact, it had a significant impact.

Both Tianzhu and Huolin hold prestigious positions within their respective factions. If Huolin were to remain silent, that would be one thing, but if he were to show himself, he would at least be a Supreme Elder in the Three Emperors Palace.

The Heavenly Punishment lurks in the shadows, and almost every cultivator of the Taiqing Sect who refines it is affected by it. In fact, it affects the Taiqing Sect, the leader of the nine sects of the human race, and has devoured countless spiritual resources and the hard work of its disciples over the past ten thousand years.

Now that the Spirit Lord Society has released this list, given the things the Spirit Lord Society has been doing in secret, the conflict between the two sides will be irreconcilable in most cases.

Regardless of whether the Spirit Venerable will ultimately win or lose, is Tianzhu willing to destroy the Taiqing Sect? Is Huolin willing to destroy the Three Emperors Palace?
If such a thing were to be done, even if they were to win, how much of the foundation that the Spirit Lord had painstakingly built over hundreds of thousands of years would actually remain?

Youyi Shiji Ming is a second-generation cultivator of the Spirit Venerable Society. He has impeccable lineage and is protected by several highly sophisticated restrictions. Under normal circumstances, even if someone were to search his soul until it was scattered, he would not be able to reveal too many secrets of the Spirit Venerable Society.

However, the Spirit Venerable Society could not have imagined that the Nine Li Cauldron could exist. All the originally extremely sophisticated restrictions were rendered useless once they entered the Nine Li Cauldron.

"The Spirit Lord Society is not subject to threats. Even if you have the list, you may not be able to pass it on alive." Crane Lord was now truly determined to kill, willing to take any risks to eliminate Lu Cheng here and ensure that the list would not be leaked.

"Hehe, fellow Daoist, you've been in a high position for a long time, and it's inevitable that you've become rusty with some of these little tricks. I have two points: First, I have already made preparations for your arrival. Second, once this matter is truly beyond repair, the Spirit Venerable Society will also be destroyed, and at that time, I'm afraid your old friends in the society will not let you and your son off the hook."

Upon hearing this, Crane Lord froze on the spot.

Given his cultivation level and status, there have been very few beings in this world who could threaten him over the past tens of thousands of years.

However, if one truly falls into the predicament described by the person in front of them, becomes a sinner of the Spirit Lord Society, and is hunted down and besieged by all the elders of the society.

Then, not only will Ji Ming be doomed to die, but he himself may not be able to save himself.

Crane Lord looked at Ji Ming, who immediately lowered his head and smiled wryly in agreement, clearly indicating that what Lu Cheng said was true.

"You wretched creature!" Crane Lord spat out the two words through gritted teeth, but he was caught in a dilemma.

Lu Cheng keenly caught the Crane Lord's momentary wavering and fear. He didn't press further, but instead softened his tone accordingly:

"Lord Crane, neither I nor the Taiqing Sect intend to be enemies with the Spirit Venerable Society. All the previous conflicts were due to our different stances and our respective paths. But things have come to this point, and dwelling on the past will only make things worse."

"I might even consider joining your faction. We can work together to keep this matter a secret. I have no intention of being enemies with the Spirit Lord Society, but I also don't want to be bothered by them again."

Time passed slowly, and every breath seemed extremely long.

Finally, Crane Lord slowly closed his sharp, silvery-white eyes. When he opened them again, all his emotions had subsided.

He stopped looking at Lu Cheng and instead focused his gaze on Ji Ming: "Ming'er, things have come to this... take care of yourself."

After saying this, he suddenly flicked his sleeves and stopped talking. His figure seemed to merge into the void like ink painting, becoming blurry and faint in an instant, and finally disappearing completely from the Jingsi Courtyard.

No promises were made, but the phrase "take care of yourself" was an implicit acceptance of Lu Cheng's proposal.

Crane Lord, this ancient true spirit, ultimately chose to compromise. In order to preserve his own foundation in the Spirit Lord Society and to save his son's life, he left Ji Ming behind and chose to swallow this extremely bitter fruit.

The threat from the Spirit Venerable Society had temporarily ended, and Daoist Lu Cheng, standing among them, let out a long breath:
The deaths of the Spirit Clan's Heavenly Eye Venerable, the Heretic Demon Clan's Shadow Lady, and even the Devouring Yuan Centipede and Qingming Daoist, were all extremely troublesome matters. However, as long as Crane Venerable was willing to pay a sufficient price, he could suppress them.

As for the flying ships and Heavenly Punishment within the sect, there is no rush to deal with them. These true spirits have a very different concept of time than ordinary people. As long as they can gain a few thousand or tens of thousands of years, they can naturally cultivate their Taoist transformation and ascension techniques to a higher level.

Only then will we have more confidence and resources.

(End of this chapter)