The Ninth Lady is a rebellious person.

Chapter 636 One whale fall, all things come to life
The golden lotus of the Zhou Tian Demon-Slaying Array lasted for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before slowly receding, and finally the lotus dissipated and vanished into the world.

All sounds are silent.

Only the cold, bright silver light of the full moon poured down on the earth, and countless stars twinkled in the sky, illuminating this desolate land and revealing its scarred state.

cough cough cough.

Some people struggled to their feet from the flying sand, rocks, and deep mounds of earth, staring blankly at everything before them. They watched as the demonic energy was cleansed, purified, and dissipated, and they could no longer sense even a trace of the demon's presence. They stood up, found the surviving cultivators, and helped each other.

They gazed at the devastated land, smelling the acrid, bloody stench of demonic energy permeating the air. Their faces were filled with sorrow, bewilderment, and an indelible grief.

"We...won?" someone murmured, their tone carrying a hint of uncertainty and a faint joy at surviving a disaster.

With his head covered in blood bruises, Liu Xiu weakly wiped the dark blood from the corner of his mouth and gave a bitter laugh: "We won."

The righteous path has won!

This catastrophe that ravaged the world has come to an end.

However, they also paid a terrible price. Countless fellow practitioners perished in this catastrophe, some even losing their souls. Even Lang Jiuchuan, the only Golden Core cultivator in the area and the light of the righteous path, disappeared without a trace.

Even so, they still held onto a sliver of hope, looking around in an attempt to find that figure, but upon looking around, she seemed to have vanished into nothingness, just like those lotus flowers, without a trace of life.

Someone began to sob softly, for the human world that had survived the calamity, for the fellow believers who had sacrificed themselves to uphold the Way, and for the venerable one who dared to dedicate himself to the Great Way.

"Lang Jiuchuan!" A thunderous roar resounded, shaking everyone to their core.

Everyone looked over, only to see a phantom figure burst out of the void, causing ripples in the space around him, slightly distorted, as if resisting his abrupt intrusion.

Behind him, another powerful ghostly figure appeared, constantly protecting the phantom with its ghostly power.

"It's Lord Feng!" Gong Tinglan, who was disheveled, weak, and whose cultivation had regressed considerably, lit up. He watched Fengya rush towards the main peak formation and said, "Let's go and look for him too."

Who should we look for? We can look for Lang Jiuchuan. We might not find him, but what if we do?
As long as one is not truly dead and one's soul is scattered, even if there is a remnant soul, it is still good. After a long period of cultivation, one may be able to achieve Nirvana.

Fengya's soul was weak, a backlash from forcibly breaking through the suppression of the will of this world. His usually indifferent eyes were now filled with unprecedented anxiety and panic.

"You little bastard, don't make me look down on you!" he cursed through gritted teeth, but the ghost general who was protecting his soul behind him could clearly hear the worry and trembling in his voice.

Fengya took a deep breath, his eyes sharp and his gaze swept across all positions like lightning. His divine sense accurately landed on the center of the main peak, the place where the Azure Dragon Jade Seal was placed.

Suddenly, his breath caught in his throat, and he swiftly rushed over.

Within the deep pit at the heart of the formation, a faint wisp of soul energy, almost in sync with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, was struggling to stay afloat on the Azure Dragon Jade Seal.

Outside the jade seal, a sacred beast's consciousness and a layer of ghostly power carrying traces of killing merits heavily enveloped it, ensuring that the jade seal not only remained intact but also contained spiritual energy, supporting that wisp of soul breath.

Fengya personally dug out the jade seal, and with a wave of his hand, he brushed away the spiritual consciousness and ghostly power outside the jade seal at the same time. As the ghostly power dispersed, a remnant soul emerged, which was the dormant spiritual consciousness of Fuqi and Jiangche.

The ghost general transferred a trace of ghostly power to Fuqi, making Fuqi's remnant soul a little more solid. He weakly bowed to him, then looked at the imperial seal with a hint of relief and reassurance in his eyes.

he made it!

The demonic power she cultivated transformed all the merits and fortune of her soul into faith and vows, protecting her soul and seeking even the slightest chance of survival.

Every drink and every bite, she was so weak back then, yet she still carried him and the three thousand Fu family soldiers for a journey. Now he is doing everything he can to protect her, isn't that fulfilling this destiny?
Everything is cause and effect, a cycle of good karma and reincarnation.

When Fu Qi realized this, his almost scattered remnant soul became even more solid, with a faint spiritual energy gathering within it.

The ghost general glanced at him, his usually cold and sinister eyes softening slightly. The cycle of all things and the law of cause and effect are real; to realize this is his good fortune.

Fengya held the jade seal, his tense mind relaxing slightly. He sensed Lang Jiuchuan's soul, however faint, yet it was real.

Gong Tinglan and the others rushed over, supporting each other. Seeing this scene, they asked in surprise, "Feng Jun, is it the Immortal?"

"Haha." Fengya chuckled, first with suppressed emotion, then with a mixture of elation at the loss for what seemed like a catastrophe and indescribable heartache: "You madman, do you really think you can fool everyone, even heaven and earth?"

He held the jade seal, his voice hoarse: "You've made yourself into this ghastly state, and all that's left are fragments of your soul. You're not even as good as a newly deceased wandering spirit. Be careful not to get swallowed by a ghost."

Upon hearing this, everyone was overjoyed.

She's still here!
The soul light attached to the Azure Dragon Jade Seal flickered slightly. Then, a voice, extremely weak yet still carrying that unique coldness and stubbornness, was transmitted intermittently, directly resounding in everyone's minds: "It's still better than some people who are not even worthless, forcibly breaking through the boundary. How much better can your remnant soul be than me? Fifty steps... the pot calling the kettle black."

Upon hearing this voice, everyone's bodies went limp, and they completely relaxed. At first, they held back their laughter, but then they burst out laughing, throwing their fists into the air as they laughed wildly.

The righteous path has truly won!

Fengya was taken aback, then laughed in anger, though a hint of red appeared in his eyes. He snorted, "As expected of you, even in this state, you're still so stubborn!"

He said this, but he carefully pressed the jade seal, trying to nurture the remnant soul with his own original soul power, but was pushed away by a gentle yet firm will, and couldn't help but frown.

"Don't waste your soul power. You're not much better off yourself. You won't stay in this world for long. Once you lose your origin, the will of heaven and earth will crush you into dust. Then who will I talk to? No, we can talk about it later."

Fengya was stunned: "What do you mean by that?"

He had a bad feeling.

What kind of trouble is this brat up to now?

The others were also extremely puzzled. They had won, but Lang Jiuchuan's words implied that the matter was not over yet. What was going on?
"The demonic tome that Kong Jin cultivated and forged, as well as his Blood Soul Lamp, are not simple. Kong Jin's path to becoming a demon must have a lineage; it was definitely not something he learned on his own. Their demonic path is not something that only leads to a major blow, but rather something that has a long-standing origin." Lang Jiuchuan said weakly, "When Tantai Wuji tried to summon the Demon Ancestor, I sensed a demonic aura different from this place. If I had been any slower, I'm afraid he would have already summoned it."

"You mean to say that this demonic energy is unusual from the start?" Gong Tinglan asked, following her analysis, "Is there another source of demonic energy?"

"I guess it was the will left behind by some ancient demon that allowed Kong Jin to inherit the legacy, which is why he was able to forge the evil artifact, the Blood Soul Lamp. He fought with Tantai Wuji like dogs, and it was only after he lost that Tantai Wuji was able to reveal his true demonic body. Tantai Wuji is no ordinary person either; he was able to further comprehend the power of the demonic scripture. In a short time, he caused the Great Dan to be corrupted by demonic energy, plunging all living beings into a catastrophe. The power of this is evident in his comprehension."

Everyone fell silent. Although they didn't want to admit it, Tantai Wuji was indeed a gifted person with exceptional comprehension, but unfortunately, he had chosen the wrong path.

"The demonic energy has been purified, but those beings corrupted by it, whether human, animal, or plant, need to be exposed to its light to restore their true vitality. Otherwise, the remaining blood demonic energy will alter their physical life force, causing it to corrode, decay, or even lead to extinction," Lang Jiuchuan said. "Just look at the survivors of this catastrophe and you'll understand." The crowd fell silent again. In truth, there was no need to look. Just look at this area within a hundred miles—the earth was scarred, the rivers murky, the vegetation withered—a desolate scene after the apocalypse. Even for cultivators like themselves, though their paths hadn't completely disappeared, how long would it take to return to their former state? They might not even live to see that day, let alone the mere lifespan of mortals.

They succeeded in vanquishing demons and bringing peace to the world, but the demonic threat still lingers. For all things in the world to regain their vitality, they will need not only a long period of time, but also the replenishment of spiritual energy.

This is a perfect example of everything needing to be rebuilt after devastation!
"Although the source of evil has been eradicated, the scourge of evil remains. The common people need a timely rain from heaven to restore their vitality." Lang Jiuchuan's voice was filled with deep compassion.

Feng Ya's heart sank, and he said with a dark face, "What do you want to do? Lang Jiuchuan, you've done enough! Looking at yourself like this, who knows how many years it will take to recover? If you recklessly use your soul power again, then really..."

Before he could finish his persuasion, Lang Jiuchuan spoke up again: "This is also my selfish reason."

Before anyone could guess, she said, “I sacrificed myself to the formation, but I actually took advantage of a loophole. I used the immense power and fortune of the Azure Dragon Jade Seal to protect my remnant soul. To put it nicely, I was clever and resourceful and had a backup plan. To put it bluntly, I outmaneuvered the will of heaven and earth and didn’t go all out. But in the end, I won. I protected all living beings and ensured that the rules of heaven were not broken. Shouldn’t that be my reward? I want to use this jade seal as a vessel, with its remaining power and fortune of the people, and with my soul as a guide, to pray for all living beings and seek spiritual mist and rain to cleanse the demonic atmosphere.”

hiss.

Everyone gasped.

This action is for the greater good and is a great act of kindness and merit.

If Lang Jiuchuan were still the Golden Core cultivator she once was, they would have nothing to say. But after the Demon-Slaying War, her soul can now only be nourished by the fortune of the Imperial Seal. If she were to use her soul power, she might accidentally be scattered.

Feng Ya's aura was icy cold; he was angry because of someone's recklessness!
Gong Tinglan pursed her lips and said, "Feng Jun is right. You have done enough. The fate of the common people is in its own hands."

“Yes, yes!” the others chimed in.

Cultivators are also human beings. They save the world and have no regrets. They have already done so much and have a clear conscience. So there is no need for them to actually risk their lives.

Lang Jiuchuan smiled faintly and said, "I don't really want to be a saint by showing mercy. As the saying goes, 'If we are put in a life-or-death situation, we can survive.' If we can get the sweet rain and spiritual rain, we may be able to benefit from it. With this sweet rain, the demonic atmosphere will be cleansed and our injured souls will be nourished. It is better than the bumpy cultivation in the future."

A slight tremor ran through everyone's hearts.

Lang Jiuchuan said coolly, "How many of us have died, how much vital energy and spiritual power have we expended in our efforts to vanquish the demon? We barely escaped with our lives, preventing this world from collapsing. If the Heavenly Dao truly exists, it should proactively send down its blessings, not wait for me to beg. Now, I am using my soul as a guide to plead, which can be considered as making up for the loophole I exploited. As the saying goes, you can't expect a horse to run without feeding it. Even a great general who wins a battle receives a reward!"

This...this sounds like a threat, it's incredibly disrespectful!

But damn it, this makes a lot of sense.

Fengya laughed in anger again: "I see you're not weak at all now, you're full of energy, why would you need any rain!"

"I've made up my mind."

What else is there to say?

Fengya was both angry and helpless, because the Azure Dragon Jade Seal burst out with a blue spiritual light, lifting it into the air on its own.

Well, they've even learned to act first and ask questions later!

This area, so close together it seemed to naturally connect with the heavens, saw the Azure Dragon Jade Seal soaring, as if transforming into a nine-clawed azure dragon leaping, with a faint afterimage above it.

Fengya's heart tightened.

"Heaven above, humanity suffers, and demonic influence still lingers. Now, with my remnant soul from the Nine Rivers as my guide, and the Azure Dragon Seal as my vessel, I gather the power of all people's wishes, praying for the mercy of Heaven and Earth to cleanse the demonic influence and nourish all things..."

Lang Jiuchuan's gentle voice was not as awe-inspiring as when he exorcised demons, but rather it blended into the laws of heaven and earth in a silent and gentle way, reaching the highest heavens.

With each verse she uttered, her already shattered remnant soul began to burn on its own, transforming into countless fine, dust-like golden runes that shimmered with profound Daoist charm, like millions of fireflies, slowly rising into the sky.

This is true burning of the soul, leaving no room for retreat.

"Lang Jiuchuan, stop right there!" Feng Ya was shocked and tried to stop him, but found that a vast and gentle field of willpower had already formed, isolating him from the outside.

The golden soul runes grew denser and denser, filling the entire sky. They intertwined with the remaining wishes for peace and tranquility of all living beings, resonated with the residual fortune of the jade seal, and issued a strong plea for blessings from the Heavenly Official.

As Lang Jiuchuan's remnant soul burned completely, transforming into a golden dragon that disappeared into the sky, the jade seal fell from mid-air, having lost all its spiritual light. As everyone exclaimed in surprise, the sky began to change.

As sunrise approaches, countless auspicious, seven-colored clouds rise and swirl with a dreamlike glow. Within these clouds, pure white mist, imbued with boundless vitality and purifying power, gathers in wisps and eventually transforms into spiritual rain, falling gently to nourish all things in the world.

Countless people around the world witnessed this incredible miracle, feeling physical comfort and spiritual peace. They involuntarily knelt down, tears streaming down their faces, and prostrated themselves in heartfelt worship and prayer, as a powerful force of their vows soared into the sky.

Even the desolate land of Bagua City is regaining its vitality. Everyone can feel the abundant spiritual energy and the reshaping of their Dao foundation, but the person is nowhere to be seen.

She seemed to transform into a giant whale, leaping out of the sea one last time with a resolute posture, letting out a mournful cry, splashing up countless golden waves, and then silently sinking into the sea, never to be seen again.

A whale fell.

All things are born.

This world is full of her gifts.

Fengya, Gong Tinglan, and their fellow practitioners stood motionless for a long time, clenching their fists and staring intently at the gradually whitening east, their eyes filled with anticipation and longing. They were all waiting for the true light.

The sky was ablaze with the radiant glow of the sunset, and the sun, like a fiery wheel, rose slowly until it completely rose above the horizon.

The sun rose as usual, shining brightly.

A person came against the light.

　Oh my, this has really excited the author! One whale falls, and all things come to life. I had thought of this title when I was halfway through writing it. I really liked the meaning and even made a memo to use it as a plot device for the ending chapter. And now I've finally written it.

　　Yes, ending the main text with a long chapter—whether it felt rushed or not is a matter of opinion. In short, following the outline, the main storyline of this book ends here. Continuing to write it further would just follow a familiar framework and formula, which wouldn't be very meaningful. To wrap things up when necessary is my style.

　　As always, a few extra chapters will be released irregularly, and daily updates are not guaranteed. If you want to read them, take a look from time to time; if not, just leave now!

　　Thank you for your continued support and understanding of my disappointing self. I also support Xiao Jiu and am going to the temple to pray. I will also pray for the babies. Best wishes!
　　That's all for now. See you in the extra chapter, or maybe not, hehe!

　　(End of this chapter)