Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 277 Tribulation of the Three Nines
Having made up his mind, Shen Wen'an first went to the south gate of Yunshui City.

Not far outside the city gate, Zhai Yuqing, dressed in a long ink-wash robe, carried an ancient sword box on his back, his dragon-beard hair fluttering in the wind.

"Senior Brother Zhai."

Shen Wen'an came forward and bowed.

Zhai Yuqing smiled and cupped her hands without speaking, but her voice rang in Shen Wen'an's ears: "I've come here for no other reason than last night I sensed some terrifying aura erupting above Yunshui City in the mountains, I wonder..."

"Senior Brother Zhai, I will explain this to you later. Right now, you must come with me to welcome another senior."

Zhai Yuqing was somewhat surprised to hear that her words had been interrupted.

"Is it... that Nascent Soul senior from the Danzhou barrier?"

Given his strength as a Purple Mansion Sword Immortal, the person Shen Wen'an would pull him along to greet, and who was also called "senior," must be at the Nascent Soul True Monarch realm.

The only Nascent Soul True Monarch he knew who was on good terms with the Shen family was Luo Tianxing.

Shen Wen'an nodded with a wry smile.

Seeing this, Zhai Yuqing lowered her head and continued to transmit her voice using a secret technique:
"Let's go then."

The two flew on their swords to the void above the West Gate, where they saw Luo Tianxing standing on a cloud in the void.

"Greetings, senior."

After the two bowed to each other, Shen Chongming said, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, senior."

"Please come with me to the city for tea, senior."

Luo Tianxing nodded slightly, glanced at Zhai Yuqing, and the three of them headed towards the Shen family's old residence together.

Inside the side room, after the servants served the spirit tea and left, Luo Tianxing asked with a puzzled look, "What happened in Yangnao last night?"

"Even though I'm far away in Danzhou, I can feel a majestic aura of heaven, as if there are old monsters at the Nascent Soul stage fighting each other."

Zhai Yuqing took a sip of tea and looked at Shen Wen'an with curiosity.

Meeting their gazes, Shen Wen'an pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "To be honest, seniors and senior brothers, I don't know the specifics of what happened either."

"Last night, before midnight, a bolt of dark lightning suddenly spread from the distant void, its target seemingly my Shen family's Yunshui City."

"As the thunder was about to strike, the younger members of the clan, Chongming and Xu Zhan, went to stop it, but they were severely injured by the thunder."

"Then a golden light appeared out of nowhere and rushed into the void, fighting the black lightning for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. The lightning and the golden light then disappeared."

He didn't mention the golden skull.

Judging from the current situation, the golden skull seems more like Xu Zhan's protector.

In the future, when the Shen family encounters danger, regardless of whether it will intervene again, it will at least serve as a trump card.

As for the black lightning, he truly had no idea.

I can only vaguely guess that the thunder must have been caused by my father breaking some taboo.

But now that his father, Shen Yuan, has gone into seclusion, he can't very well ask him.

"Black Lightning?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Tianxing's expression suddenly became somewhat serious.

With his knowledge as the Nascent Soul True Lord, he naturally knew many secrets about the power of heaven and earth.

"Senior, do you know what that black lightning is?"

Seeing that he looked thoughtful, Shen Wen'an quickly cupped his hands and spoke.

Luo Tianxing nodded, picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip of tea, and said, "Since I've already made this trip, and I have nothing else to do, I'll tell you what's going on."

"It just so happens that this kid from Qingluo Sword Pavilion has also reached the Purple Mansion Realm. I'll tell you about it in advance, as it can be considered as forming a good connection."

After a pause, Luo Tianxing continued, "You two should both know that when a cultivator breaks through from the Purple Mansion to the Nascent Soul stage, it will trigger a Heavenly Tribulation."

"This tribulation is also known as the 'Triple Tribulation'."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an couldn't help but recall the scene when the peak Purple Mansion dragon of Hidden Dragon Mountain underwent its tribulation to transform into a Nascent Soul.

Zhai Yuqing also held her breath and quietly watched Luo Tianxing.

As a Purple Mansion Sword Immortal, he could sense that his chances of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage were very slim.

But there was still a glimmer of hope.

At this time, receiving guidance from someone with experience would be an invaluable opportunity and a great asset for him.

Luo Tianxing continued, "Heavenly tribulations are tests that Heaven puts upon cultivators."

"This [Tribulation of the Three Nines] will bring down different lightning tribulations based on the cultivator's strength, cultivation system and techniques, personal karma and karmic forces, and other factors."

"Depending on the different types of lightning tribulations, the predecessors in the cultivation world divided these lightning tribulations into three levels."

"The Tribulation of the Three Nines consists of a total of twenty-seven heavenly lightning bolts, with nine bolts in each layer, each layer being stronger than the last."

"The weakest of the three tribulations is composed of twenty-seven 'Azure Thunders,' which are azure or silver-white in color and are not very powerful."

"The first two tribulations test the physical body and the true essence within, while the third tribulation tests the nascent soul and the divine soul."

“If a cultivator encountering the ‘Azure Thunder Tribulation’ has a stable cultivation level and makes sufficient preparations before the tribulation, there is a high probability that they will be able to successfully overcome the tribulation.”

Upon hearing this, Zhai Yuqing pondered for a moment, then cupped her hands and asked using a secret technique, "So, when a cultivator undergoes tribulation, encountering the 'Azure Heaven Thunder Tribulation' can be considered a great stroke of luck?"

Luo Tianxing shook his head with a faint smile.

"In a sense, Heaven is quite fair to us cultivators."

"With less risk, the rewards will naturally be less."

"Even among Nascent Soul True Monarchs who have passed the Tribulation of the Three Nines, cultivators who have passed the Tribulation of the Azure Sky Thunder are basically born weaker than others."

Upon hearing this, Zhai Yuqing nodded in understanding.

Luo Tianxing continued, "Compared to the 'Azure Sky Thunder Tribulation,' the second-level thunder tribulation in the [Three Nine Tribulations] is the one that most Nascent Soul True Monarchs least want to encounter."

"This second type of lightning tribulation is called the 'Earthly Fiend Lightning Tribulation'."

"'Earthly Fiend Thunder Tribulation' is mostly composed of purple or dark gold lightning."

"Compared to the 'Azure Sky Thunder Tribulation,' the 'Earthly Fiend Thunder Tribulation' not only contains pure destructive power, but also often contains a trace of strange power such as 'Earthly Fiend Fire' and 'Bifeng'."

"These strange forces are hard to guard against. They can not only destroy the physical body, but also erode the soul and the foundation of the Dao. The final tribulation of heavenly lightning can even take on simple forms, forming thunderous creatures such as 'thunder snakes' and 'thunder dragons'."

At this point, Luo Tianxing's expression turned somewhat solemn, and he continued in a deep voice, "Faced with the 'Earthly Fiend Thunder Tribulation,' cultivators without powerful spiritual treasures, high-level formations, defensive talismans, and various healing pills are basically doomed to die."

Upon hearing this, both Shen Wen'an and Zhai Yuqing wore solemn expressions.

"The tribulation you underwent back then was..."

After a moment of silence in the room, Shen Wen'an suddenly looked at Luo Tianxing with curiosity and asked cautiously.

Luo Tianxing snapped out of his daze, gave him a strange look, and asked, "What kind of tribulation do you think I'm undergoing?"

Shen Wen'an shook his head.

He couldn't discern Luo Tianxing's strength at all, so naturally he couldn't know what kind of tribulation Luo Tianxing was undergoing.

After hesitating for a moment, Luo Tianxing seemed unwilling to tell the two what kind of tribulation he had undergone back then, so he sighed and continued: "Among all tribulations, the most terrifying is the 'Chaotic Tribulation'."

"This kind of lightning tribulation is also known as the 'world-destroying lightning tribulation'."

"I don't know much about this, but I do know that the color of the lightning in this tribulation is exactly the 'black lightning' you just mentioned."

"'World-Destroying Lightning Tribulation' is the ultimate heavenly tribulation, and it is probably rare to encounter it even once every ten thousand years."

"I reckon that only monsters who cultivate ancient inheritance methods or bear enormous karmic burdens can encounter this."

"This kind of tribulation can no longer be considered a test; it's more like a method sent down by the heavens specifically to eliminate 'outliers'."

Having said that, he suddenly looked at Shen Wen'an with great interest: "I am very curious, what kind of monster has appeared in your Shen family that could summon this once-in-a-millennium 'world-destroying thunder'?"

"What intrigues me even more is that your Shen family suffered no losses under this world-destroying thunder..."

Meeting Luo Tianxing's scrutinizing gaze, Shen Wen'an was momentarily at a loss for words.

When answering the previous question, he also did not expect that "Black Thunder" would be involved in these things.

"Alright, this matter must concern some secrets of your Shen family. I am not one to meddle, so I will not pursue it further."

Shen Wen'an secretly breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

Luo Tianxing picked up the teacup in front of him, drank the spiritual tea in one gulp, and then stood up and said, "It's good that Yunshui City is alright. I won't bother you any longer."

Upon seeing this, Shen Wen'an and Zhai Yuqing quickly got up to see him off.

The three arrived at the door of the side room, and Luo Tianxing suddenly stopped and turned around, saying, "The Xuan Shuang True Water should be appearing soon."

"Once the True Water of Profound Frost manifests, the only remaining spiritual essence of this Yangnao Land will be the Earth Spirit Netherworld Soil..."

His expression turned solemn as he looked at Shen Wen'an and said, "You have at most sixty years left. Only after the Earth Spirit Netherworld manifests will the entire Yangnao Land and the Southern Frontier truly descend into chaos."

"At that time, many secrets and treasures hidden in Yangnao Land and Southern Frontier will be revealed one by one as the source of Dao is rapidly extracted."

"These rare treasures and numerous secrets will inevitably attract the attention of some Dao Source Secret Realm forces, similar small worlds, and various reclusive old monsters around Yangnao Land."

"That will be the greatest test for your Shen family."

"If the Shen family doesn't want to seize those opportunities, they should prepare now and hide for a while until the old man has refined the Dao Source Secret Realm before returning."

After saying this, his figure vanished right in front of the two of them.

At the door of the side room, Shen Wen'an and Zhai Yuqing exchanged a glance.

Luo Tianxing's final words clearly put pressure on both of them.

The two returned to their room, and Zhai Yuqing pondered for a moment before shaking her head with a bitter smile.

“Years ago, when I was at sea, I happened to encounter a giant whale in the Nascent Soul stage whose lifespan had run out and which had naturally perished.”

"At that time, all kinds of sea creatures and some monsters were surrounding its huge body, waiting for the old whale to breathe its last."

"The moment when the last bit of life in the old whale's body was extinguished and its soul dissipated."

"A large number of demonic beasts swarmed up, frantically devouring its flesh and blood, and vying for its demonic core."

"After those powerful demonic beasts have finished fighting, the remaining mess is taken care of by some ordinary fish that have not yet developed intelligence."

"After they left, some smaller fish, shrimp and crabs dared to come closer and pick up the smaller scraps of meat."

He picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip of tea, and sighed, "How similar is the Yangnao land to that old whale?"

Shen Wen'an nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then hesitated before saying, "There must be many secrets hidden in Yangnao Land."

"The 'predators' that will be attracted will likely include quite a few Nascent Soul and Purple Mansion Realm beings."

"Sixty years..."

Shen Wen'an shook his head with a solemn expression.

He has now reached the late stage of the Golden Core realm, but it is already a great fortune that he was able to break through to the Purple Mansion realm in just sixty years.

Trying to compete with a group of Nascent Soul True Monarchs for opportunities at that time would be tantamount to courting death.

Luo Tianxing reminded the Shen family to prepare in advance, but how should they prepare?
The entire family was relocated.

After some thought, Shen Wen'an decided that he should discuss this matter with Shen Chongming and his father, Shen Yuan.

"Senior Zhai, what are the plans of the Azure Vine Sword Pavilion?"

Suppressing his thoughts, he suddenly looked at Zhai Yuqing and said.

It is currently uncertain whether Danzhou will be spared from the disaster following the collapse of the road in Yangnao.

However, judging from Luo Tianxing's words just now, even if Danzhou is not affected by the "road collapse", it will still be harassed by those "predators" because it borders Yangnao.

Danzhou, which doesn't even have a single Nascent Soul True Monarch, is probably in no better shape when facing those outsiders.

After pondering for a long time with a calm face, Zhai Yuqing said slowly, "I will inform Ling Shan and the others about this matter and see what they think."

Shen Wen'an nodded.

The two chatted for a while longer before Zhai Yuqing got up and left, heading towards the Void Harmony Corridor Formation.

The spirit of Yunmeng Great Marsh in Dang County is about to manifest, and he must keep a close eye on the movements of the major forces in the Southern Frontier.

……

Southern Xinjiang, Yangquan Mountain.

Inside the White Propaganda Hall, Shen Chongxu sat lazily on the leader's throne.

Below, Dong Yunbao and the others stood respectfully to the left and right, each of them looking somewhat reserved.

Shen Chongxu glanced at everyone and said calmly, "What, do you think I'm trying to harm you?"

The group looked at each other, but no one spoke.

Seeing this, Shen Chongxu looked at Dong Yunbao: "Abao, what do you say?"

A struggle flashed in Dong Yunbao's eyes, then he stepped forward and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "This subordinate is willing to give up all his cultivation and switch to the cultivation method taught by the sect leader!"

As soon as he said this, the expressions of the others changed slightly.

Most of the people present had cultivated for decades or even centuries, and their strength had reached the mid-to-late stages of the embryonic breathing stage.

Nominally, they were all disciples of the White Propaganda Sect, but in reality, they were not much different from independent cultivators.

In recent years, all spiritual resources and magical treasures have been obtained through plunder.

It can be said that they gained their strength by risking their lives.

But just yesterday, Shen Chongxu suddenly summoned them, saying that he wanted to teach them the true demonic cultivation techniques.

At first, everyone was very happy.

But when they heard that cultivating the "Primordial Golden Chapter" transmitted by Shen Chongxu required dissipating all their cultivation and almost starting over from the Qi Refining Realm, they instinctively refused.

Today, Shen Chongxu has summoned them all again, clearly determined to have all the disciples of the Bai Xuan Sect cultivate the "Primordial Golden Chapter," leaving everyone somewhat at a loss.

"very good."

Seeing that Dong Yunbao had agreed, Shen Chongxu nodded in satisfaction, then looked at the others and said, "You have all joined my Bai Xuanjiao sect for at least ten years, and some for several decades."

"I know what you are thinking."

"I will not force you today."

"For those who are willing to continue to follow me and remain in the White Prophecy Sect, the Primordial Golden Chapter is the only cultivation method."

"If you are unwilling to give up your cultivation, I will not make things difficult for you since we have met."

Meeting his gaze, everyone below lowered their heads, their hearts filled with inner turmoil.

a long time--

Behind Dong Yunbao, Ming Zhengchu, dressed as a scholar, gritted his teeth and cupped his hands, saying, "Master, I dare to ask for your guidance."

As a cultivator in the late stage of Fetal Breathing, Ming Zhengchu could clearly sense that Shen Chongxu, who had originally reached the Perfect Fetal Breathing Realm, had now fallen to the early stage of Fetal Breathing due to his cultivation of the "Primordial Golden Chapter".

He was ambitious back then.

Fortunately, he didn't do anything outrageous, and Shen Chongxu didn't hold it against him.

Shen Chongxu understood his thoughts when he suddenly mustered the courage to stand up and take on the challenge.

This guy probably wants to see just how strong he really is after cultivating the "Primordial Golden Chapter".

If I am no match for him, Yangquan Mountain will probably change hands.

If I can defeat him, it will be enough to prove the power of the "Primordial Golden Chapter". At that time, it will not be a bad thing for him to give up his cultivation and switch to this technique.

"Guardian Ming, do not be too presumptuous!"

Beside Shen Chongxu, Wu Qianrou's eyes were icy cold, and her gaze toward Ming Zhengchu carried a hint of murderous intent.

"It doesn't matter."

Shen Chongxu slowly raised his hand to stop Wu Shi Qianrou, then slowly stood up and said, "You all want to see my current strength, don't you?"

Seeing that no one spoke, Shen Chongxu said with a faint smile, "In that case, I, the leader of this sect, will show you."

Before he finished speaking, he took a step forward, his figure transforming into a streak of gray light, and instantly arrived in front of Ming Zhengchu.

Ming Zhengchu was terrified, thinking that Shen Chongxu was going to attack him. He leaned back and tapped his feet repeatedly, his whole body like a leaf in the wind, drifting back several feet!

However, Shen Chongxu had no intention of making a move; he simply stood there with his hands behind his back.

Seeing this, the others around them quickly made way for the two of them, giving them enough space.

"Make your move, unleash your strongest attack."

Looking at Ming Zhengchu, whose face had just recovered from the shock, Shen Chongxu spoke calmly.

Ming Zhengchu was feeling annoyed at his cowardice earlier. Hearing this, he decided not to hold back. He immediately made a hand seal, channeled his spiritual power, and unleashed more than a dozen emerald green beams at Shen Chongxu!
As a healer, the [Xu Shui Po Ling Zhen] technique was Ming Zhengchu's most proficient move.

This move can not only ignore the cultivator's protective spiritual energy shield, but also directly attack the cultivator's body.

After being struck by the [Xu Shui Po Ling Zhen], the cultivator's meridians will be sealed, instantly rendering them powerless.

Over the years, Ming Zhengchu has used this trick to secretly kill countless cultivators of the same realm.

They even joined forces to kill a general from the Fushan Kingdom who was at the peak of the Fetal Breathing Realm.

But when Ming Zhengchu immediately used the [Xu Water Spirit-Breaking Needle], the expressions of the onlookers all changed.

Shen Chongxu was the backbone of the White Propaganda Church.

Over the years, the reason why the many eccentric cultivators of the White Propaganda Sect have been able to gather together peacefully is entirely due to their leader, Shen Chongxu.

If he were to be defeated by Ming Zhengchu, the Bai Xuanjiao sect would likely disband in an instant.

Everyone watched Shen Chongxu, who stood with his hands behind his back, with tension.

More than a dozen emerald green blades moved extremely fast, and in the blink of an eye, they had sealed off all of Shen Chongxu's escape routes and hiding spaces.

At this moment, Shen Chongxu hadn't even had time to activate his protective spiritual energy shield.

But seeing the dozen or so sharp blades already upon him, Ming Zhengchu's face showed little excitement, but rather a hint of suspicion.

Without hesitation, a flash of light appeared in his hand as he drew a short, gleaming sword, about a foot long. He then charged after the [Xu Water Spirit-Breaking Needle] he had just unleashed, preparing to finish it off.

Faced with more than a dozen [Xu Water Spirit-Breaking Needles] attacking from all sides, Shen Chongxu finally made his move.

He slowly raised his right hand, the movement appearing casual, but the speed was so fast that it left afterimages in the void.

The onlookers couldn't see his specific movements clearly; they only felt that Shen Chongxu seemed to have waved his hand casually.

Ming Zhengchu's most skilled [Xu Water Spirit-Breaking Needle] was like a swarm of flies, directly blasted away by a domineering force!

Ming Zhengchu, who was following closely behind with the [Xu Shui Po Ling Zhen], only had time to slightly change his expression before the short sword in his hand was grabbed by a pair of hands that were like iron clamps!

Immediately afterwards, a powerful and destructive energy suddenly surged from the blade of the short sword!
Ming Zhengchu instantly felt that in the face of that power, his spiritual power was as fragile as paper, offering no protection whatsoever.

The violent force tore through the spiritual energy protection he had laid out in the meridians of his arm with overwhelming force, and then rushed towards other parts of his body!

"Your subordinate admits defeat!"

Ming Zhengchu's expression changed slightly, and he immediately knelt down, bowed his head, and shouted.

Shen Chongxu sneered inwardly, not in a hurry to withdraw the primal demonic energy from his body, but letting it run rampant through his meridians.

Ming Zhengchu knelt on the ground, feeling the pain in his meridians as if they were being pricked by needles and cut by knives, and was filled with fear!

He is now very afraid that Shen Chongxu will take the opportunity to cripple him.

With the power of this violent force in the meridians, once it rushes into one's dantian, no immortal embryo can withstand it!
"Master, spare my life!"

Kneeling on the ground, Ming Zhengchu mobilized all his spiritual power to block the violent force while frantically begging for mercy.

Shen Chongxu seemed to think that it was about time.

He did not intend to actually depose Ming Zhengchu.

This guy is somewhat ambitious, but he knows his limits when it comes to doing things.

After this experience, they should be much more obedient in the future.

With a flick of his hand, he drew back the primordial demonic energy from Ming Zhengchu's body, and then slowly walked back to his seat above.

"Alright, you've all witnessed my power." "Say your piece."

After exchanging glances, the crowd below bowed and said, "We are willing to continue to follow our leader!"

They have already witnessed the power of the Primordial Golden Chapter.

Fighting Ming Zhengchu, who was in the late stage of fetal breathing, with the early stage of fetal breathing, not only neutralized Ming Zhengchu's most powerful [Xu Water Breaking Spirit Needle] in an instant, but also almost crippled him.

Especially when Shen Chongxu retrieved the primordial demonic energy from Ming Zhengchu's body, everyone felt the domineering and terrifying power of that primordial demonic energy.

"very good."

Seeing that they had all agreed, Shen Chongxu smiled and tossed a jade slip to Dong Yunbao.

"The jade slip contains the 'Primordial Golden Chapter,' you all understand the rules, right?"

Dong Yunbao took the jade slip, and without even looking at it, immediately began to swear an oath.

The remaining Ming Zhengchu and the others also solemnly swore an oath.

Shen Chongxu slowly stood up, nodded in satisfaction, and headed towards the sleeping quarters behind the main hall.

Wu Qianrou glanced at everyone and quickly followed Shen Chongxu to the bedroom.

"Master, I don't understand why you went to such great lengths to pass on the Primordial Golden Chapter to them?"

"That was the ancient demon cultivation method that Sister He Yi gave you."

Over the years of following Shen Chongxu, Wu Qianrou could clearly sense that her master did not care much about Bai Xuanjiao's followers.

She didn't quite understand why Shen Chongxu insisted on forcing Bai Xuanjiao and the others to cultivate such a precious and ancient tradition as the "Primordial Golden Chapter."

Shen Chongxu chuckled, his gaze deep, but he did not reply.

"Alright, keep an eye on things in the sect from now on. I need to cultivate diligently and strive to break through to the mid-stage of the embryonic breathing realm as soon as possible."

After speaking softly, Shen Chongxu sat down cross-legged in front of the bed.

……

Yunshui City.

After several days of recuperation, Shen Chongming and Xu Zhan finally fully recovered from their injuries.

The two brothers arrived together in Shen Wen'an's courtyard.

As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, I heard the clanging of metal against metal coming from the training ground in the backyard.

The two brothers exchanged a glance and slowly walked towards the backyard.

Inside the training ground, Shen Wen'an held a sword in one hand and had the other hand behind his back, constantly parrying his son Shen Chongzhen's relentless attacks.

Clang!
After parrying dozens of moves, Shen Wen'an flicked his wrist, and with a swift movement of his longsword, he knocked the longsword out of Shen Chongzhen's hand. The force of the blow also sent Shen Chongzhen staggering back several steps.

Boom!
The flying sword landed and stuck directly into the wooden dummy next to it.

"Father actually knows this move?"

After his defeat, Shen Chongzhen looked at his father in surprise.

Shen Wen'an said with a faint smile, "What, do you really think that your father, a Golden Core Sword Immortal, can't defeat you without using sword essence and cultivation?"

“I have been immersed in the way of the sword for over a hundred years. Even if I don’t focus on technique like you do, I am still far superior to you, a mere brat.”

"Keep practicing."

As he spoke, he reached out and pulled the longsword stuck in the wooden dummy in the distance into his hand, then handed it to Shen Chongzhen.

Seeing that the contest between the father and son had ended, Shen Chongming and Xu Zhan slowly walked up to them.

"Uncle Three."

The two of them bowed their hands.

Shen Chongzhen, who was standing to the side, hurriedly clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "Brother Ming, brother-in-law."

Shen Wen'an glanced at the two of them and nodded slightly.

"Have both of your injuries healed?"

The two looked at each other and nodded.

"Let's go talk in the front yard."

After Shen Wen'an spoke, he led the two to sit down in the pavilion in the front yard.

Shen Chongzhen busied herself brewing a pot of spiritual tea for the three of them, and then stood behind her father.

"Nephew, I heard that Senior Zhai and Senior Luo from Danzhou came a few days ago?"

Shen Wen'an nodded and said, "Both of them came because of the strange phenomenon that happened in Yunshui City that night."

"How did Third Uncle reply?" Xu Zhan asked immediately upon hearing this.

Shen Wen'an looked at him with a faint smile.

"Don't worry, Uncle didn't mention the golden skull."

Hearing this, Xu Zhan finally felt relieved.

The golden skull was both a mentor and a friend to him, and he was clearly seriously injured after the battle with the black lightning that night.

Whether it's Qingluo Sword Lodge or Luo Tianxing, it doesn't matter.

Although they are all on good terms with the Shen family, it's hard to guarantee that they won't have other ideas after learning about the secret at the bottom of the Laishui River and the golden skull.

After the incident at Tian Tan Mountain, the Shen family members became noticeably more wary.

Shen Wen'an spoke again, briefly explaining the matter of the "black lightning" to the two of them, emphasizing Luo Tianxing's instructions before leaving.

After hearing his words, the expressions of the two brothers in front of him both became serious.

"A span of sixty years is not a long time."

"For the Shen family, it's hard to say whether they will be able to produce a Purple Mansion cultivator after sixty years."

"It's obviously unrealistic to expect to compete with so many old guys from other worlds and the Dao Source Secret Realm for opportunities."

Shen Chongming spoke in a deep voice.

Shen Wen'an lowered his head and sighed, "Third Uncle thinks so too."

“These past few days, my third uncle has thought about this matter carefully, and the best approach right now is to prepare for both possibilities.”

He didn't want to bother with the family's trivial matters.

However, Shen Chongming has been recuperating from his injuries these past two days. Although Shen Xiuyan has been able to take over some family affairs, this matter is clearly beyond his ability to handle.

Shen Wen'an could only think about it for now and planned to discuss it with Shen Chongming after he had recovered from his injuries.

After briefly explaining his thoughts, Shen Wen'an said in a deep voice, "So, after the matter of the spirit in Yunmeng Great Marsh in Dang County is over, Third Uncle plans to go out to sea."

Shen Chongming pondered for a moment and then nodded.

"Third Uncle's method is indeed feasible."

"However, it is a pity that my Shen family has built up such a foundation in Yangnao Land for so many years."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhan comforted him, saying, "Senior brother, there's no need to be so discouraged."

"We're not simply going to abandon these things from Yangnao Land."

"If Uncle can find a place to stay at sea and temporarily settle the clansmen, we can fight those outsiders with more peace of mind here."

Shen Chongming nodded with a smile.

"Let's decide on this for now."

"After Grandpa comes out of seclusion, we can ask him if he has any better ideas."

As Shen Chongming spoke, he suddenly changed the subject and looked at Shen Wen'an, saying, "Does Third Uncle think that Grandpa's purpose in this seclusion is to break through to the Golden Core stage?"

When asked this question, Shen Wen'an was taken aback.

After the incident with the black lightning, Shen Yuan was in great anxiety and did not inquire in detail.

Judging solely from his cultivation level, it's quite possible that Father Shen Yuan is actually aiming to break through to the Golden Core stage during this seclusion.

"It's hard to say."

"Even your third uncle couldn't understand your grandfather's cultivation."

"However, we shouldn't need to worry about his affairs."

After a slight pause, Shen Wen'an added, "There's one more thing I need you to arrange for someone to do right now."

He then explained the concept of "the five elements and their essence".

However, it was not stated that the Five Elements Essence was something Shen Xiu wanted for free; it was only said that he had great use for it.

Shen Chongming nodded in agreement.

As Shen Xiubai said, collecting the essence of the five elements is not too difficult. Cultivators only need to spend some time refining and absorbing it from various spiritual objects of the five elements.

The three didn't chat for long before the two brothers bid farewell to Shen Wen'an and left the courtyard.

On the winding path leading to the old house, Xu Zhan hesitated for a moment before asking, "Senior Brother, when you were attacked by that black lightning earlier, did you have any marks left by that strange lightning in your body?"

mark?

Shen Chongming frowned slightly and looked at him, asking, "You have one too?"

Xu Zhan nodded, then rolled up his sleeves and began to channel his inner energy.

A moment later, a black and red lightning pattern appeared on his right arm.

"This thing is very strange. I have tried many methods, but I have been unable to get rid of it."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongming also rolled up his sleeves.

Unlike Xu Zhan, he didn't even need to use his spiritual power; the strange mark just appeared abruptly on his arm.

"I've looked into it, and it doesn't seem to have any effect."

"Let's leave it for now."

When the two brothers arrived at the old house, they were surprised to find a figure in a pale yellow dress standing at the entrance.

"Auntie, when did you arrive?"

Why wasn't someone sent to inform them?

Huang Lingshan smiled and lowered her head: "It's nothing important."

"Your mother said you were injured?"

She looked Shen Chongming up and down, and seeing that he seemed to be alright, she breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Golden Core cultivators have strong vitality, and minor injuries have little impact on their lives.

"Yes, it's a minor injury, it's already healed."

"Please come in, Auntie."

They invited Huang Lingshan to the pavilion in the backyard, and the three of them sat down.

"Has anything changed over in the Yunmeng Great Swamp?"

Shen Chongming asked.

Huang Lingshan nodded and said softly.

“A few days ago, Senior Sister Yuehua unexpectedly encountered a Golden Core cultivator who appeared to be a disciple of the Yinhe Sect.”

"However, in order not to alert the enemy, Senior Sister Yuehua could not confirm that the person was definitely a member of the Yinhe Sect."

Yinhe Sect?
Shen Chongming frowned and asked, "Isn't Senior Luo at the barrier? How did they get through?"

Huang Lingshan smiled faintly and said, "Naturally, it's a collaboration with the Underworld, utilizing their teleportation shuttle."

"The appearance of the Yinhe Sect means that the situation in Yunmeng Marsh has become more complicated."

"We are still unsure of the methods that the major forces in southern Xinjiang are secretly preparing, so we must be careful."

After the Battle of Tianyuan Mountain, Huang Lingshan did not believe that the major forces in the Southern Frontier would go to Yunmeng Marsh to compete with them for spiritual essence without making any preparations.

Unfortunately, during the time they were stationed in the Yunmeng Marsh, the major forces in the Southern Frontier behaved strangely well.

It's not clear what their preparations are yet.

However, the mere appearance of the Yinhe Sect, these troublemakers, proves that the affairs of Yunmeng Great Swamp are not simple.

"The Yinhe Sect and the Suihuo Sect both belong to the Jiehuo Sect."

"The Calamity Fire Sect once collaborated with the Underworld and other forces to destroy the Great Ying Immortal Mansion's plan to seize the Dao Source of Yangnao Land."

"Does their appearance at this time mean they're planning to make another move?"

Shen Chongming analyzed in a deep voice.

Huang Lingshan shook her head slightly.

"This is not something we need to worry about."

"What I'm worried about now is whether the Yinhe Cult is still colluding with those forces in Southern Xinjiang..."

When this matter was mentioned, a thought suddenly flashed through Shen Chongming's mind.

He recalled what Old Man Jin from Tian Tan Mountain had said back then: the reason why the six major Golden Core forces in the Southern Border were able to know about the matter of spiritual essence in advance was because a mysterious cultivator had visited each of the six families.

The matter of the spiritual realm was told to them by that mysterious monk.

When Shen Wen'an, the third uncle, returned from Danzhou, he was instructed by Luo Tianxing that the group that had stirred up a bloody storm in Qishan, Danzhou, and wiped out Qiyun Valley and Luoxia Mountain had secretly infiltrated Yangnao Land.

If we follow this line of thinking, the Yinhe Sect definitely has the opportunity to infiltrate the Southern Frontier and secretly inform the six major powers about matters concerning spirituality.

Thinking about this, Shen Chongming suddenly felt a little confused again.

Based on the Shen family's previous deductions, Xu Xiu and Luo Tianxing, along with the other chess players, were very likely cultivators from the Great Ying Immortal Mansion back then.

Back then, in order to stop the Great Ying Immortal Mansion, several parties clashed in a terrifying war in Yangnao Land.

Now that the Yinhe Sect is secretly telling the major Golden Core forces about matters related to spiritual essence, isn't that equivalent to indirectly helping Xu Xiu and the others plan for the Dao Source?

"Just this one thing."

"Just keep it to yourself."

Huang Lingshan didn't seem too worried about these things.

In her view, the emergence of the Yinhe Sect should have been most worrying for Luo Tianxing and other old guys who were plotting to seize the source of the Yangnao Land Dao.

This is a power struggle between the upper echelons; let them worry about it themselves.

Seeing Huang Lingshan get up to leave, Shen Chongming suddenly remembered what his third uncle, Shen Wen'an, had just said, so he quickly called Huang Lingshan back.

"Aunt."

Huang Lingshan stopped in her tracks.

Shen Chongming continued, "Did Senior Zhai mention to Auntie the preparations before his passing?"

Huang Lingshan nodded and said, "This matter is not urgent and requires further consideration from multiple perspectives."

"You don't need to think too much. It's been 60 years, and who knows what might happen."

Tell your mother that your aunt has gone back first.

After Huang Lingshan finished speaking, she transformed into a sword light and flew away into the distance.

……

On the giant rock in front of the barrier in Danzhou.

Luo Tianxing was sitting cross-legged in meditation when the void in front of him suddenly distorted, and then an old man dressed in a white silk fairy robe with white hair and beard slowly walked out of the distorted space.

The old man radiated a dazzling aura, obscuring his face.

Luo Tianxing, sitting on the boulder, slowly opened his eyes and looked at the figure that had suddenly appeared in front of him, smiling faintly, "Brother Jingyang, what brings you to my humble abode?"

The old man dressed in plain white fairy robes snorted coldly and said, "I have come here to see what you, Luo Tianxing, are doing!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Tianxing narrowed his eyes slightly, then sneered, "Do I need to report to you what I do?"

"You guard your Dragon Slaying Valley. I have my own tasks to do. Do I need you to tell me what to do?"

Upon hearing this, the old man's aura suddenly surged, showing signs of stirring up the surrounding world.

Upon seeing this, Luo Tianxing remained seated without moving, when a huge phantom suddenly appeared behind him!

The phantom raised its hand and slapped the swirling clouds above its head!
In an instant, everything around returned to calm.

"Feng Jingyang!"

"If you want to show off your power, go back to your Dragon Slaying Valley. If you dare to cause trouble again, I won't tolerate it."

Luo Tianxing said in a deep voice, and then waved his hand to smooth out the distorted space in front of him.

"The people from the Calamity Fire Sect have already infiltrated Dragon Slaying Valley!" The old man named Feng Jingyang in front of him suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "You know very well what the consequences will be if they destroy the Ten Thousand Dragons Formation and release those bald monks from the Heavenly Dragon Temple!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Tianxing frowned deeply and remained silent for a long time.

"The old man told you to guard this place and prevent the Fire Cult from attacking you, and you promised to do so!"

"How should this be explained now?"

In response to his questioning, Luo Tianxing sneered, "What kind of explanation do you want?"

"Does the Fire Calamity Cult's entry into Dragon Slaying Valley necessarily originate from my place?"

"If they detour through the East China Sea, how can I possibly defend against them?"

After a pause, Luo Tianxing added, "You should ask that old dragon in the Central Plains Secret Realm about this."

"Isn't it responsible for blocking the door?"

"How could we let the Fire Calamity Cult members sneak out without anyone noticing?"

Speechless after being rebuked by Luo Tianxing, Feng Jingyang seemed to realize that he was being somewhat unreasonable.

Those guys from the Calamity Fire Sect all knew about Luo Tianxing's strength.

Even if someone wanted to sneak into Yangnao, they would most likely not choose to pass through here.

"Now how to do?"

"The situation in Dragon Slayer Valley is very complicated, and I dare not venture into the depths of the Myriad Dragons Formation lightly."

“Those guys from the Fire Calamity Cult are hiding inside right now; we absolutely have to find them.”

Seeing that he had already given in, Luo Tianxing sneered, "You should ask the old man about this kind of thing."

"He had been planning this for so long, so this situation must have been expected, and he naturally had a plan in mind."

Feng Jingyang hesitated upon hearing this.

Luo Tianxing looked at him and said sarcastically, "What, afraid of losing face?"

"If you can't bear the embarrassment, then go deep into the Ten Thousand Dragons Formation and catch it yourself."

"If you clean up your own mess, no one will laugh at you."

Hearing his sarcasm, Feng Jingyang snorted coldly, then stopped talking and turned to step into the distorted space.

As the space in front of him gradually returned to calm, Luo Tianxing chuckled to himself.

"Old man, you're useless at everything, but you're pretty good at shifting blame..."

After the mockery, his expression gradually became serious.

Although he had already found a way out for himself, the Dao source of this Yangnao Land no longer had much to do with him.

But if the great formation of Zhanlong Valley is truly broken, allowing Tianlong Temple, which is sealed within, to escape, he himself will not have any peace in the future.

(End of this chapter)