Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 262 Sacrifice
Seeing this, Shen Wenxing nodded with satisfaction.

He and Zhao Tuan's father, Zhao Jinhu, were brothers and comrades-in-arms, having participated together in the war against the Western Wilderness before the arrival of the Immortal Sect.

Later, the Shen family became a prominent family, and the two families became related by marriage.

Zhao Jinhu and his father Zhao Shuan devoted themselves to managing all the worldly affairs of the Shen family.

He had watched Zhao Tuan grow up, and now that he could solve the problem of Zhao Tuan's lack of spiritual roots for cultivation, he could consider it an explanation to the Zhao family.

"Uncle, Xiu Bai and I are going to get busy now. Why don't you keep Tuan company for a while?"

He Chongyi stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and left the room with Shen Xiubai.

The two returned to the small courtyard behind the mountain. The [Void Trapping Array] that Shen Xiubai had set up earlier was still there. This time, they could directly enter the array and continue refining the remaining four array beads.

With their previous successful experience, the two worked together even more skillfully this time.

However, being unable to use their own spiritual power and having to inscribe array patterns and artifact patterns solely with their divine souls was quite taxing for the two of them.

Especially now that Shen Xiubai only has the cultivation level of the fifth level of Qi Refining, his spiritual power is not very strong.

After refining only two array beads, he felt a splitting headache and was unable to concentrate on inscribing array patterns, which led to the failure of refining that array bead.

Unfortunately, the refining process had to be temporarily halted, pending the recovery of Shen Xiubai's spiritual power.

This wait lasted for three days.

Three days later, the two resumed their work and finally completed the refining of the remaining two array beads.

Carrying four array beads, He Chongyi and Shen Xiubai found Zhao Tuan.

Having learned from his previous experience, Zhao Tuan was quite adept this time, quickly refining the remaining four array beads and integrating them into his internal organs.

Once the five internal organs have been integrated with the corresponding array beads, the inner five elements cultivation system will usher in its most important step.

Can the Five Elements Formation cycle perfectly?

And can it replace the innate spiritual energy of the Five Elements?
If successful, it would mean that in the future, all the common people under the Shen family's rule, as long as they have enough comprehension and a strong will, can try to cultivate.

Anyone who can reach the ninth level of Qi Refining can use the Inner Five Elements Cultivation Method to break through to the Fetal Breathing stage.

"Uncle Zhao, let's begin."

Having confirmed that Zhao Tuan had adjusted his breathing to its peak state, Shen Xiubai spoke in a deep voice.

Zhao Tuan lowered his head, held his breath, and closed his eyes.

The operation of the Five Elements Formation of the internal organs still needs to be activated by the cultivator's own spiritual power to make it fully operational.

If this cycle can continue indefinitely, it can continue to operate by leveraging the forces of mutual generation and restraint.

Zhao Tuan had already immersed all his divine sense into his body. After confirming the Five Elements formation of his internal organs, a surge of spiritual power instantly erupted, activating the formation of the five organs.

puff!
The moment the five formations activated simultaneously, a tearing pain suddenly shot through my internal organs!
Zhao Tuan felt his blood and qi surge, his throat tasted sweet, and he couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of blood mist!
Upon seeing this, Shen Xiubai and He Chongyi's expressions changed drastically.

However, Zhao Tuan, who spat out a mouthful of blood, did not stop there. He gritted his teeth and insisted on continuing to operate the Five Elements Formation within his body.

Gradually, his flushed face returned to normal, and his breathing became much more stable.

Seeing this, He Chongyi and Shen Xiubai's hearts finally calmed down a little.

"It should be a success."

Sensing that the Five Elements Formation within Zhao Tuan's body had begun to operate, and that the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth was slowly being drawn in and converging into his body, He Chongyi spoke with satisfaction.

Shen Xiubai did not answer, but stared intently at Zhao Tuan's body, as if he had gained some insight.

Time passed bit by bit.

When Zhao Tuan woke up, a clear look of joy appeared on his face.

"Brother Tuan, how is it?"

He Chongyi couldn't help but ask.

Zhao Tuan stood up and respectfully bowed to the two men, then said with some excitement, "It seems we have succeeded. I can clearly feel that the barriers to my cultivation level have loosened."

"The spiritual energy that had been stagnating in the meridians of the body gradually began to circulate under the manipulation of the Five Elements Formation."

"I believe it won't be long before I reach the perfect Qi Refining stage."

As Zhao Tuan spoke, his gaze fell upon Shen Xiubai, who was in a state of sudden enlightenment.

"Young Master Xiu Bai, what's wrong with him...?"

He Chongyi turned around and glanced at Shen Xiubai, then said with a faint smile, "This kid seems to have gained some insights. Let's not disturb him and go."

The two left the room and found Shen Wenxing, who had just returned from outside.

Hearing that the Inner Five Elements Cultivation System had been successfully implemented, Shen Wenxing was overjoyed.

If this method succeeds, it means that as long as resources are sufficient, the Shen family will have many more cultivators in the future.

Although the effects of this Inner Five Elements Cultivation Method are not yet apparent, the fact that it allows cultivators without spiritual roots to break through to the embryonic breathing stage without relying on the innate spiritual energy of the five elements is already extraordinary.

"The three of you must communicate well about this method and continue to improve it."

"If we can fill in the gaps, it would be no less than creating a new era for a cultivation system."

Shen Wenxing looked at He Chongyi and Zhao Tuan in front of him and said.

The two men bowed and accepted.

……

Blackwater Pavilion.

Shen Wen'an sat cross-legged opposite Shen Yuan, watching his father carefully organize the things Shen Chongxu had asked him to bring back.

"That brat..."

"It's fine to send back the cultivation techniques and secret arts."

"Keep the spirit crystals and pills for your own use."

After carefully arranging the spirit crystals and pills, Shen Yuan chuckled and scolded, his eyes filled with heartache.

Shen Chongxu has always done this over the years.

He risked his life for the good stuff, keeping almost nothing for himself and sending it all home.

"Chongxu was not good with words. Although he did not say it outright, he still thought about his family."

Shen Wen'an smiled faintly and spoke.

But when he saw his father pick up the jade slip that replicated the secret technique of "Demon's Descent," Shen Wen'an thought of Shen Chongxu's entrustment.

"Father, this jade slip contains a forbidden technique that is extremely dangerous."

"Chongxu also used this secret technique to turn the entire Canaan Temple upside down."

"Even the bald monk Hongye of the Great Bright Realm has fallen for this trick. I wonder if those people are still fighting now."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan immediately probed the jade slip with his divine sense out of curiosity.

Upon seeing the contents of the [Demon's Descent] secret technique, his expression suddenly became somewhat solemn.

"This technique must indeed be used with caution!"

"If one does something wrong, it can harm both oneself and others."

The [Demon's Descent] technique is a method of actively luring extraterrestrial demons to descend and temper one's mind and soul.

Among the three calamities and nine tribulations of a cultivator's practice, the most terrifying is the inner demon.

The ancient cultivator who created this [Demon's Descent] secret technique was definitely a madman.

"I should keep this secret technique close to my body."

To prevent any ignorant younger members of the family from causing trouble, Shen Yuan immediately put the jade slip in his hand into his storage bag.

He had already decided that he would avoid using this [Demon's Descent] secret technique as much as possible.

"By the way, while you were in the Southern Frontier, it seems that the various forces in Yangnao Land have been making some moves."

"Your older brother is handling it."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an put down his teacup and asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"

Shen Yuan nodded and said in a deep voice, "It seems that there is a traitor in Tian Tan Mountain who has leaked the fact that there is a spirit in Tian Yuan Mountain in Zhili."

"Now both Huangsheng Sect and Canaan Temple have received the news that Feng Changyou came to Yunshui City for help the other day."

"I don't know how your elder brother replied; you should go and see him."

Has a traitor appeared in Tian Tan Mountain?

A look of disbelief crossed Shen Wen'an's face.

Almost all the major immortal sects have now flocked to Yangnao Land, all for the sake of spiritual essence.

He had only told Feng Changyou about the possibility of spirits appearing on Tianyuan Mountain.

How could a demon king at the Golden Core Realm be so careless as to let other demon cultivators know such a crucial secret?
Or perhaps... the traitor's identity is too high, that of a key figure like Old Man Jin?
Shen Wen'an was somewhat puzzled, so he kept the matter to himself for the time being, stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "I'll go ask my elder brother."

After leaving Blackwater Pavilion, Shen Wen'an found Shen Wenxing teaching Shen Xiuyan and Wu Yuning how to cultivate in the martial arts training ground in the backyard of the manor.

"Third Grandpa."

Shen Xiuyan, who was born with a literary mind and loved swordsmanship, naturally admired Shen Wen'an greatly.

Upon seeing him, she excitedly ran over.

Shen Wen'an also likes this little guy.

Intelligent and unrestrained, he exudes a spirituality that makes people feel extremely comfortable; he is a natural-born Confucian sword immortal.

"How's your sword practice going lately?"

Gently rubbing Shen Xiuyan's head, Shen Wen'an squatted down and asked.

"There are some things I don't understand. Did Third Grandfather come here today to answer Xiuyan's questions?"

Shen Wen'an paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Third Grandfather has some things to discuss with your Great Grandfather."

"Why don't you practice on your own first, and then your third grandfather will answer your questions later?"

Shen Xiuyan nodded obediently.

"Wen'an is back?"

Shen Wenxing approached and asked, "How is Chongxu?"

He only learned the day before yesterday that Shen Wen'an had left home to go to the southern border to rescue Shen Chongxu.

"It's okay."

After Shen Wen'an spoke, his gaze fell on Wu Yuning, who was looking at him with some curiosity.

"The child of Wu Jiu and General Fufeng."

"She has a mutated wind-attribute spiritual root, and Chongming has taken her as his disciple," Shen Wenxing introduced.

Shen Wen'an suddenly realized.

"Girl, this is a Golden Core Sword Immortal from my Shen family. You should call him Third Master."

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuning gracefully cupped her hands in greeting and said, "Yuning greets Third Master."

Shen Wen'an nodded with a smile, then asked, "What kind of magical artifact do you like?"

This little girl is Chongming's apprentice. It's the first time the two have met, so it's best to give each other a gift.

I happened to have killed quite a few monks from Canaan Temple during this period, and there were still many things in my storage bag that I hadn't had time to organize.

We could see if there's anything suitable for Wu Yuning.

"Whatever the Third Master bestows upon you, Yu Ning will like it."

The little girl tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suddenly bowed solemnly and said...

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an was taken aback, while Shen Wenxing, who was standing next to him, burst into laughter.

"Third Grandfather, she's so cunning..."

Shen Xiuyan spoke up from the side.

"Cunning is a bad word!"

"Yu Ning is being sensible, not cunning!"

The two were of similar age, and Wu Yuning was not afraid of him, so she immediately retorted.

Shen Xiuyan pursed his lips and muttered, "Not only cunning, but also stubborn..."

Wu Yuning ignored him and just stared at Shen Wen'an, wanting to see what he could reward her with.

With a smile, Shen Wen'an took out a curved sword from his storage bag and handed it to her.

"This is a mid-grade magic weapon; you cannot unleash its full power yet."

"However, you can take it and use it for now."

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuning's face immediately lit up with joy.

Although she is only five years old, she has been practicing cultivation for two years.

He naturally understood how valuable a mid-grade magic weapon was.

Excitedly, Wu Yuning took the curved knife and examined it for a while, seemingly quite fond of it.

"Thank you very much, Third Master!"

After respectfully thanking Shen Wen'an, she carefully placed the scimitar aside and looked at Shen Wenxing, saying, "Master has to discuss important matters with Third Master, so Yu Ning will go and cultivate on her own first."

Shen Wenxing nodded and watched the little girl walk towards the training ground on her own.

"Grandpa, Third Grandpa, Xiuyan has also gone to cultivate."

Shen Xiuyan cupped his hands in greeting and immediately prepared to leave.

"No need to rush, stay and listen."

Shen Wenxing tried to dissuade him.

Before going into seclusion, Shen Chongming specifically instructed him to take Shen Xiuyan with him when handling some family affairs.

To avoid ending up like Shen Xiuzhuo, who only focused on cultivation and neglected family affairs.

The three arrived at the nearby pavilion. The two brothers sat facing each other, while Shen Xiuyan stood respectfully to the side.

"Dad said that the wind from Tian Tan Mountain came to Yun Shui City the other day?"

Shen Wen'an started talking.

What exactly happened with the traitor appearing at Tian Tan Mountain?

Shen Wenxing clapped his hands and said solemnly, "I originally planned to come and discuss this matter with you later."

Do you know who the traitor who appeared on Tian Tan Mountain is?

Seeing Shen Wen'an shake his head, Shen Wenxing continued, "The traitor is Hua Qing."

Porphyrin?

Shen Wen'an felt the name was somewhat familiar, but couldn't quite place it.

"That was a powerful plant demon. Back then, when it was at the peak of the embryonic breathing stage, it followed Old Man Jin to my Shen family and exchanged several strands of innate spiritual energy for my Shen family's [Yi Wood Moon Reflection Pine]. When it betrayed Tian Tan Mountain, it was already at the half-step Golden Core stage."

is her! ?
Upon hearing his brother's words, Shen Wen'an finally remembered who Hua Qing was.

"I remember that the true form of this plant demon called Hua Qing was a Jade Xuan Yang Flower..."

"Haven't the various demon cultivators of Tian Tan Mountain always had a harmonious relationship?"

Why did she suddenly betray Tian Tan Mountain?

Shen Wenxing sighed and said, "Feng Changyou said that after Hua Qing's betrayal, they conducted a special investigation."

"The Jade Sunflower was also known as the 'Buddha's Flower' in ancient times."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an asked in astonishment, "So, Hua Qing is from Canaan Temple?!"

That's quite dramatic.

He could foresee that Hua Qing's betrayal meant more than just the loss of a half-step Golden Core Realm demon to Tian Tan Mountain; it also meant that they had been severely humiliated by Canaan Temple.

The two forces already had a grudge, but the enemy had placed spies in their middle and upper ranks, and none of the demon cultivators of Tian Tan Mountain suspected anything.

They also spent a lot of money to exchange a [Yi Wood Moon Reflection Pine] from the Shen family for Na Huaqing, so that he could improve his cultivation.

Even the most important spiritual secrets were revealed because of him.

"What's the situation at Tianyuan Mountain now?"

Having learned the identity of the traitor from Tian Tan Mountain, Shen Wen'an changed the subject and asked...

"it's complicated."

Shen Wenxing gestured to Shen Xiuyan beside him to bring over the teacup from the table next to him, and said with a solemn expression, "After Hua Qing defected, Canaan Temple also received news that a spirit might appear on Tianyuan Mountain."

"But what I don't understand is how Huang Shengzong also found out about this news."

"Currently, all three parties have mobilized a large number of cultivators to surround Tianyuan Mountain."

"If this continues, other forces will definitely notice something is wrong."

Shen Wen'an nodded.

Tian Tan Mountain and Canaan Temple have a long-standing feud.

In addition, the Shen family wiped out the Canaan Temple's forces in Yangnao Land during the third major harvest, and seized all three counties under their jurisdiction.

Nearly half of its territory was given to Tiantan Mountain.

If the two sides were to confront each other at Tianyuan Mountain, other immortal sects might not suspect anything.

But now that Huang Shengzong has intervened, all three parties are now surrounding that inconspicuous place, Tianyuan Mountain.

Anyone with a discerning eye can tell that place is definitely not simple.

If all forces gather at Tianyuan Mountain, a large-scale conflict could break out if not handled carefully.

Although Tianyuan Mountain is far from Yunshui City, it is surrounded by the Shen family's spirit mines and spirit fields, as well as the cities under the jurisdiction of Luoxia Mountain.

Xiwu City, where Qiyun Valley is located, is not far from Tianyuan Mountain.

When a major war breaks out, all of these will be affected.

"How does Feng Changyou plan to resolve this?"

After a moment of contemplation, Shen Wen'an asked.

Shen Wenxing chuckled and took a sip of his tea, saying, "Tian Tan Mountain's intention is to take advantage of the fact that other forces haven't reacted yet."

"Let my Shen family and Luoxia Mountain join them to drive away Huangsheng Sect and Canaan Temple first."

"I made an excuse to leave you for a long trip, and I don't know when you will return."

"Feng Changyou had no choice but to leave Yunshui City, and he'll probably go looking for..."

"Report."

Before Shen Wenxing could finish speaking, a guardian cultivator from the Shen family hurriedly arrived at the pavilion.

"Old Master, Third Master."

"Elder Jiang and his third wife from Luoxia Mountain have arrived and are having tea in the side room."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing smiled and shook his head, saying, "It seems that after leaving Yunshui City, Feng Changyou must have gone to Luoxia Mountain again."

"Let's go see what Senior Jiang's plans are."

The two brothers got up and led Shen Xiuyan toward the side room.

The main branch of Luoxia Mountain in Danzhou has been destroyed, and Yunzhong County City has become their new sect location.

As the chief disciple of Luoxia Mountain, Wei Qiuling also succeeded to the position of sect leader.

She's been busy lately, handling sect affairs in Yunzhong County.

After the three arrived at the side room, they met Jiang Xiuqi and Wei Qiuling.

After exchanging pleasantries and greetings, the two sides took their seats.

"Wen'an, did Feng Changyou come to Yunshui City the other day?"

Jiang Xiuqi spoke first.

Shen Wen'an nodded and said, "I was not in the city a few days ago, and my elder brother received him."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiuqi looked at Shen Wenxing: "He mentioned to the Shen family that he wanted to join forces to deal with Huangsheng Sect and Canaan Temple?"

Shen Wenxing nodded: "I did mention it, but I declined, saying Wen'an wasn't there, and I need to consider it." "What was your reply, senior?"

Jiang Xiuqi shook his head with a wry smile.

“Wen An happened to be away, and the Shen family had a reason to confront me, but I was unaware of it and was caught red-handed.”

“Our three families have an alliance, and now is not the time to break off relations, so we cannot refuse.”

At this point, he changed the subject, saying, "But Qiu Ling felt that this matter was very strange."

"We two came here today specifically to discuss this with you."

Strange?

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an looked at Wei Qiuling.

Wei Qiuling cupped her hands and said, "That day, my grandmaster promised to help them deal with Canaan Temple and Huangsheng Sect."

"I originally thought that only my grandmaster and some high-level cultivators at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage would be needed."

"Who would have thought that Feng Changyou would ask Luoxia Mountain to bring more disciples, and even asked his grandmaster to help prepare some killing formation plates."

Upon hearing this, the two brothers frowned.

"Are they trying to turn Tianyuan Mountain into a meat grinder?"

Shen Xiuyan, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up in confusion.

This was precisely the question that Shen Wen'an and Shen Wenxing had in mind.

Logically speaking, Tian Tan Mountain's purpose was simply to drive Canaan Temple and Huang Shengzong out of Tian Yuan Mountain, preventing them from touching that spiritual essence.

In this way, only high-level combatants need to take action to defeat cultivators of the same realm.

It's not a life-or-death battle, so why use low-ranking disciples?
Once lower-level disciples participate, all sides will engage in a full-scale war. At that time, the entire Tianyuan Mountain will inevitably be awash in blood, and a large number of cultivators will perish there.

"I believe that Tian Tan Mountain's actions may be part of a conspiracy that neither the Shen family nor Luo Xia Mountain are aware of."

Shen Wen'an also agreed with his wife's words, sensing something was amiss in Feng Changyou's strange request.

"What does the eldest brother think?"

He turned to look at Shen Wenxing, whose eyes were slightly narrowed.

"Even I, your brother, cannot make a judgment on this matter..."

"Could it be related to spirituality?"

He abruptly changed the subject and said something that surprised everyone.

Is it related to spirituality?

At that moment, Jiang Xiuqi seemed to have thought of something.

After a moment's thought, he said slowly, "Do you still remember that spiritual entity that appeared at the border between the Southern Frontier Fushan Kingdom and Tianjian City?"

"Senior, are you referring to the [Heavenly Golden Light]?"

Shen Wenxing replied.

Jiang Xiuqi nodded.

"Ever since Feng Changyou said he wanted to join forces with the Shen family and my Luoxia Mountain to plot against the spiritual realm, I have been sending people to collect relevant ancient books and even dispatching my disciples to the Southern Frontier."

"I discovered something from the ancient books that those disciples brought back."

"The place where the [Heavenly Golden Light] appeared was the site of a great battle between cultivators before the Void Harmony Corridor Formation was broken."

"It is said that the number of cultivators and mortals who died in the battle was in the hundreds of thousands..."

At this point in Jiang Xiuqi's words, Shen Wen'an suddenly recalled some of the things his father, Shen Yuan, had said when they were discussing spirituality.

Furthermore, at the beginning of the invasion of Southern Xinjiang, Jin Chan mentioned the division of Southern Xinjiang and Yangnao into Yin and Yang.

He suddenly seemed to realize something.

"Yin and Yang in harmony..."

"This is probably related to the contingency plan left behind by the Great Lord of Great Harmony back then."

Shen Wen'an said in a deep voice.

Back when the Great Ying True Lord founded the Great Ying Immortal Palace and ruled the entire Yangnao Land, he spared no expense to set up the Void Corridor Array, which separated the Southern Frontier from the present-day Yangnao Land.

Rumors in the southern borderlands say that the Void Harmony Corridor Formation divides the entire Yangnao Land into two parts: "Yin" and "Yang".

Southern Xinjiang is considered "yin," while Yangnao is considered "yang."

This is roughly what my father meant by "yin and yang working together".

After voicing his inner thoughts, Shen Wen'an narrowed his eyes and said, "Feng Changyou wants to use the essence blood of the disciples of Luoxia Mountain and the cultivators of the other two forces to nourish and catalyze the spiritual essence, so that the spiritual essence can manifest more quickly."

Upon hearing this, the expressions on their faces instantly turned rather unpleasant.

After a change in expression, Wei Qiuling said with a somber face, "I don't think this is the most terrible thing right now."

"Grandmaster Uncle, Eldest Brother."

"What do you think would happen if other forces in the Southern Frontier found out that this 'Yin-Yang Harmony' could accelerate the transformation of spiritual beings?"

Meeting her gaze, Shen Wenxing and Jiang Xiuqi felt a sudden chill in their hearts!
After Zhantian Pavilion spread the rumor of "Dao Collapse", all these forces in the Southern Frontier came out in droves to Yangnao Land to search for spiritual essence.

If the "yin and yang in harmony" can truly accelerate the transformation of the spirit into matter, then the forces in the Southern Frontier will surely launch a series of great battles in various parts of Yangnao Land regardless of the consequences!

One side in this great battle will inevitably be the local forces of Yangnao.

Because only cultivators in the Yangnao Land possess the so-called "Yang" within their bodies.

However, in the Yangnao Land right now, the largest local power is the Shen family!

Luoxia Mountain has been in Yangnao Land for over a hundred years, and has many local cultivators under its tutelage, making it a semi-local force.

If the news of "yin and yang working together" were to spread, the consequences would be unimaginable.

After a moment of silence, Shen Wenxing looked at Jiang Xiuqi and asked, "Senior, did Feng Changyou say when he would take action against Huangsheng Sect and Canaan Temple?"

"Seven days later."

Jiang Xiuqi answered in a deep voice.

Seven days...

At this moment, Shen Wenxing was conflicted.

If the earlier guess is true, seven days later, the disciples of Luoxia Mountain will surely be tricked and killed by Tiantan Mountain at Tianyuan Mountain.

The Shen family and Luoxia Mountain are now in a mutually dependent relationship, and they absolutely cannot sit idly by.

But what he feared was that even if the Shen family intervened, they wouldn't be able to change the outcome.

Ultimately, they might even take on cultivators from their own clan, becoming nourishment for their spiritual essence.

"Grandpa, is this really such a worry?"

"Luoxia Mountain and the Shen family are not subordinates of Tian Tan Mountain."

"He wants to attack Canaan Temple and Huangsheng Sect. Let them attack them themselves."

"Wouldn't it be fine if neither Luoxia Mountain nor the Shen family intervened then?"

Seeing that the brows of the people present were all furrowed, Shen Xiuyan suddenly spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Wei Qiuling sighed and patiently explained, "Tian Tan Mountain is a power of the Purple Mansion."

"Our Shen family and Luoxia Mountain are now facing almost all the forces in the Southern Frontier."

"If both sides refuse to lend a hand this time, it will be equivalent to tearing off their mask and the alliance will break down instantly."

"At that time, our two families will only have two Golden Core cultivators left. How can we withstand the combined attack of two Purple Mansion forces and the remaining four Golden Core forces?"

Shen Xiuyan opened his mouth, but in the end he could only hang his head dejectedly and say, "If we know it's suicide, are we still going?"

"Tian Tanshan is not an ally at all; it is clearly a huge problem for both of us."

After a slight pause, he continued, "Xiu Yan thinks that even if the Shen family and Luoxia Mountain win this time by sheer luck, it will be in vain if that spirit doesn't appear."

"Tian Tanshan may bring some more opponents next time."

"Even... what Grandpa said about the flower demon's betrayal, Xiu Yan thinks it was a trap set by Tian Tan Mountain..."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present was stunned.

Although Shen Xiuyan is only five years old, his innate literary talent makes him far more gifted than any child prodigy in the mortal world.

In addition, having followed Shen Chongming in handling family matters for the past two years, his thinking on issues has indeed been incisive, directly analyzing the root of the problem.

"I had suspected Hua Qing of Tian Tan Mountain's betrayal before."

Shen Wenxing said in a deep voice, "But I still feel that Tian Tan Mountain would not easily sacrifice a demon cultivator at the half-step Golden Core realm."

Shen Wen'an scoffed upon hearing this: "Father once said that people love life and hate death, and so do demons."

"Like Feng Changyou and Fengqi behind Tiantan Mountain, they are old monsters who have lived for countless years."

“The cultivation of demon cultivators is inherently different from that of human cultivators. They have gone through many hardships and finally reached the Golden Core stage and broke through to the Purple Mansion stage. How could they so easily give up their lives and all their cultivation?”

"Let alone a demon cultivator at the half-step Golden Core realm..."

"Father once said that in critical moments, Feng Changyou might even become a pawn to be sacrificed."

Seeing that his words had been accepted, Shen Xiuyan asked excitedly, "So... Third Grandfather thinks what I said is right?"

Shen Wen'an nodded with a smile.

This kid has a really sharp eye. If the Shen family can survive this calamity, they might actually rise to a higher level in his hands in the future.

"Xiuyan, do you have any better ideas about the current situation?"

Wei Qiuling spoke slowly.

Although the group has some ideas for solving the problem, there are still some flaws in their approach.

Shen Xiuyan is able to see through the essence of the problem, so it's worth listening to his thoughts.

As soon as Wei Qiuling finished speaking, the others all turned their gazes toward her.

The little guy clearly felt the pressure as he met the gazes of the group.

"Speak freely and boldly; no one will blame you if you're wrong."

Seeing a hint of panic in his eyes, Shen Wenxing gently comforted him.

Shen Xiuyan thought for a moment and said, "I think... I think that to break this deadlock, we need to find outside help..."

After saying this, he looked at everyone somewhat nervously.

Foreign aid?
The group exchanged glances and gave each other wry smiles.

Finding foreign players is indeed a good idea, but the key question is, where can we find foreign players now?
After a moment of silence, Shen Wen'an suddenly said with a resolute look in his eyes, "Brother, senior, I think we should go to Danzhou."

Danzhou?

Shen Wenxing shook his head slightly and said, "I know your plan, but as one of the players behind this grand game of chess, that senior must prioritize the overall situation."

"I would never agree to that."

Shen Wen'an said in a deep voice, "Whether I agree or not, we'll have to try to find out."

"At worst, we'll just have to pay a price. Anyway, this won't affect the overall situation, and it might even make the outcome come sooner."

Shen Wenxing frowned and pondered for a long time before finally saying, "If you insist, you should go see your father first before you go, and hear what he has to say."

Shen Wen'an nodded: "Then, elder brother, please arrange for the senior to stay in Yunshui City. We'll wait for your news."

With that, he stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and headed toward the Blackwater Pavilion.

……

The second floor of Blackwater Pavilion.

After Shen Wen'an explained his purpose, Shen Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "It is indeed worth a try."

“As I said before, the overall situation is already settled, and this matter is not out of the question.”

“When necessary, Huai Sang’s thing can be used as a bargaining chip.”

That thing called Huai Sang...

Shen Wen'an was taken aback upon hearing this: "Father, do you mean to use that black cauldron formed from the spirit as a bargaining chip?"

After inexplicably refining the sapling formed from his spiritual essence, he truly experienced the extraordinary power of spiritual essence.

Both the black cauldron and the sapling were formed from spiritual essence. If they could be refined by other members of the Shen family, they would likely reap unimaginable benefits.

He was truly reluctant to use it as a bargaining chip.

Seeing his reluctant expression, Shen Yuan smiled and said, "That was a Nascent Soul True Monarch, apart from the Black Cauldron and the stone egg in Flame Lake City."

"Would anyone be interested in anything else that my Shen family can offer?"

"The stone egg is the spirit of Yangnao Land, while the black cauldron is very likely the spirit of one of the three immortal mountains."

"In comparison, the pebbles are more beneficial to my Shen family."

"At least if the Dao Source of Yangnao Land is truly extracted in the future, and my Shen family reaches a dead end, we can still enter the Dao Source Secret Realm with that stone egg."

After listening to his father's explanation, Shen Wen'an had no choice but to agree.

"If this matter cannot be accomplished, do not force it. I have already deduced the matter of 'yin and yang working together' and naturally have a solution in mind."

"This plan can protect my Shen family, but if you want to take care of Luoxia Mountain as well, I'm afraid it won't work."

"Now that Qiu Ling has become the sect leader of Luoxia Mountain, my Shen family cannot do such an ungrateful thing. So we'll just let you try it out first."

Shen Wen'an cupped his hands and said, "I'll go then."

After leaving Blackwater Pavilion, he immediately took out a miniature bronze ship from his storage bag and tossed it into the air.

With a flash of light, the miniature bronze ship instantly transformed into an ancient warship over ten zhang long, exuding an aura of antiquity.

This bronze warship was a gift from the golden-haired monkey at the Purple Mansion Realm whom I encountered at sea.

However, Shen Wen'an was used to flying on a sword, so he kept the bronze warship in his storage bag and never used it.

The reason for this deployment is that the journey to Danzhou requires passing through Beidi County.

Now that Feng Changyou is in Beidi County, if one flies by on a sword, it will be easy for him to find out.

With a leap, Shen Wen'an landed on the bronze warship. He then took out more than ten spirit crystals and threw them into the core formation of the warship. The warship instantly transformed into a streak of light and flew north.

……

Southern Xinjiang, Yangquan Mountain.

After being rescued from Canaan Temple, Shen Chongxu returned to Bai Xuanjiao in Yangquan Mountain.

Apart from Wu Qianrou, no one else in the entire White Propaganda Cult knew that their leader had almost been used as fertilizer for planting trees.

After briefly showing himself and instructing Dong Yunbao and the others to focus their search on anything related to witchcraft, Shen Chongxu locked himself in his bedchamber to study how to break the [Demon's Descent] secret technique.

The sea of ​​consciousness.

"Do you truly wish to dispel the [Demon's Descent] secret technique and let me leave?"

The extraterrestrial demon trapped in the barrier still doesn't believe that Shen Chongxu will let it go.

"Do you know that if you actively dispel the [Demon's Descent] secret technique, with your current cultivation level, you will have to pay the price of at least a hundred years of your lifespan?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongxu frowned slightly: "Is the price so high?"

Upon seeing this, the extraterrestrial demon couldn't help but sneer: "Reluctant to part with it, aren't you?"

On the spiritual platform in his mind's eye, Shen Chongxu looked at it with his hands behind his back and said, "Since I said I would let you leave, I will never go back on my word."

"Just tell me directly how to dispel this [Demon's Descent] secret technique."

The extraterrestrial demon stared at him in a daze, and after a long while, he suspiciously revealed the solution.

Having obtained the method to dispel the [Demon's Descent] secret technique, Shen Chongxu suddenly asked, "I'm curious how many years you've lived?"

After a slight hesitation, the extraterrestrial demon replied, "We demons have no concept of lifespan."

"The strength of one's cultivation level is only related to the souls one has devoured."

"If you haven't devoured any souls, there's no difference between a demon who lives for one year and one who lives for ten thousand years."

Shen Chongxu suddenly realized.

"So how do you usually devour souls?"

The extraterrestrial demon seemed to have little suspicion about this, and calmly replied:
“All beings with souls have demonic thoughts in their hearts. We, the Heavenly Demons, can travel through various worlds to find those beings whose demonic thoughts have been awakened. We will either tempt or torment them, causing their souls to sink and then devour them.”

"Besides, when cultivators like you break through, triggering the rules to bring down the three calamities and nine tribulations is also our best opportunity."

Having said that, the extraterrestrial demon seemed somewhat envious and said, "It's just a pity that my strength is not enough to cause a disaster."

"Otherwise, even if it had swallowed the soul of a cultivator capable of causing three calamities and nine disasters, that damned Bodhi sapling would still be no match for it."

"Alright, saying all this is my way of repaying you."

"If you really want to let me go, then hurry up. If you don't want to, then don't try to trick me into saying anything."

Shen Chongxu smiled faintly upon hearing this: "Is this all my hundred-year lifespan is worth?"

"That's all..."

After his consciousness withdrew from his sea of ​​consciousness and returned to his physical body, Shen Chongxu pondered for a moment before directly activating the secret technique to dispel the [Demon's Descent] technique.

In an instant, he suddenly felt an aura of supreme and ancient power, like the majesty of heaven, suddenly appear!

In a daze, he vaguely saw that supreme aura transform into a terrifying longsword and slash towards him!

Shen Chongxu instinctively closed his eyes.

But the excruciating pain I had imagined did not occur!
The long sword sliced ​​through his body without harming his flesh in the slightest.

Just as Shen Chongxu was wondering, he suddenly felt a strong sense of weakness!
Visibly, his jet-black hair instantly turned silver-gray, and fine wrinkles appeared on his face.

In the sea of ​​consciousness space.

Shen Chongxu's soul sat cross-legged on the spiritual platform, weakly waving his hand to dispel the barrier that had trapped the extraterrestrial demons.

"You are free..."

As Shen Chongxu spoke, he stopped worrying about it and immediately began to circulate his cultivation technique to regulate the damage caused to his lifespan by the loss of energy.

The extraterrestrial demon, now free from the barrier's control, was shocked to realize that the connection between itself and Shen Chongxu had truly been severed.

"You actually... are willing to sacrifice a hundred years of your lifespan to undo the secret technique?"

Shen Chongxu ignored it, or rather, he didn't have the time to deal with this extraterrestrial demon.

Although there may be no visible injuries from the loss of lifespan, the consequences of losing lifespan are still very serious.

"I don't know whether to call you stupid, or..."

Seeing that Shen Chongxu was just letting things go, the extraterrestrial demon really wanted to pounce on him, take advantage of his current weakness due to the loss of lifespan, break his Dao heart, and then devour his soul.

But the extraterrestrial demon felt a little irritated when he thought that Shen Chongxu's current situation was caused by letting him go.

"Aren't humans all selfish, greedy, and cunning?"

"How has such an honest guy survived this long?"

"and……"

Looking at Shen Chongxu sitting cross-legged on the spiritual platform, the extraterrestrial demon unexpectedly sensed that Shen Chongxu's state of mind was like a calm, deep pool!

This state of mind is the most difficult for them to grasp.

There was absolutely no opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

"What a strange fellow..."

The extraterrestrial demon muttered to itself, and then, for some reason, it did not leave immediately. Instead, it sent out a wisp of purple mist to envelop Shen Chongxu's soul.

The faint light emanating from the purple mist formed a light curtain within Shen Chongxu's sea of ​​consciousness.

The screen displayed images of Shen Chongxu from birth to the death of his mother Zhao Xuan, the arrival of his father's concubine Hu Meier in the Shen family, his subsequent decline and fall from grace, and his angry departure from home.

Peeping into a soul's memories, finding exploitable weaknesses, and attacking the soul itself is a basic ability of an extraterrestrial demon.

This extraterrestrial demon seemed to be watching a movie, quietly observing every detail of Shen Chongxu's life.

I don’t know how much time has passed.

When Shen Chongxu stabilized the effects of the damage to his lifespan on his body and slowly woke up, he was shocked to find that the extraterrestrial demon was still in his sea of ​​consciousness!

And at this moment, it actually transformed into the appearance of a human woman.

(End of this chapter)