There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 132 Two Routes [First Update]

Three hours later.

Inside the ice cave, a chilling atmosphere pervaded the air.

Chen Qing raised his hand in a gesture of support, and a ball of Buddhist light, like an inverted golden bowl, imprisoned a speck of blood-red light.

He focused most of his mind on maintaining the seal, while another wisp of his consciousness sank into the Niwan Palace.

The blue flame that had come of its own accord was burning quietly, emitting a hazy and ever-changing glow, nourishing and strengthening his divine sense, making it continuous and almost inexhaustible.

Chen Qing frowned slightly.

"This fire...something's not right."

He discovered that at the core of the azure flame was a wisp of extremely cold residual flame, like an impurity that had not been fully digested, exuding a sinister and deathly atmosphere, completely out of place with the azure flame's elusive and ever-changing nature.

He had forcibly teleported in the Demon Sacrifice Land, his original goal being to return south. However, his sense of the Taiyin Sect's location was vague, and relying solely on a directional pull, he ended up falling back to a treacherous snow-capped peak that he had passed by when riding the Youchan Flying Boat.

Although there are still a few white-feathered demons lingering here, they have not been tainted by demonic intent and their numbers are small, making it a rare place to catch their breath.

Han Jing, Ji Yue, and others were on guard at the cave entrance, while also keeping an eye on Chen Guang and Dian Hengzi.

Chen Qing had expended a great deal of energy and needed to suppress the true essence of the demonic intent with all his might, so he sat quietly deep inside the cave to regulate his breathing.

"The Qingqiu clan collected my aura, intending to use it to fuel the sacred fire, but by a twist of fate, this mysterious fire formed a profound connection with me and came to me on its own. It can be considered quite a stroke of luck."

Chen Qing's mind raced, and he gradually grasped the ins and outs of the matter, also beginning to understand many of the mysteries of this fire—

This fire is extraordinary; it can not only strengthen one's divine will and enhance control, but also conjure up myriad phenomena with each breath, bewitching people's minds. It can even stir up others' thoughts to grow and multiply, implanting a false sense of "past life" and causing certain thoughts to become confused.

"It is said to be related to the path of three lifetimes, but it seems to focus more on manipulating thoughts, using illusions to deceive people, and planting thoughts to control the mind. However, if these methods encounter someone who cultivates both body and mind with a firm Dao heart and pure thoughts, they will be like an ant trying to shake a tree, and will hardly achieve anything."

After pondering for a while, he calmly assessed the situation.

However, what Chen Qing cared about most was that fleeting glimpse when the green flame first ignited—he seemed to see the true form sitting cross-legged in the quiet room of Mingxia Mountain!
"Could it be that it was also an illusion that arose from my own thoughts?" Chen Qingxin's heart rippled slightly.

"Whoohoo-"

The wind and snow blowing in from outside the cave carried the sounds of their conversation inside.

After inspecting the area, Master Han Jing returned and was talking to the others: "We have roughly figured out our location. This place is not far from the Taiyin Sect and the Guanghan Palace. Both sects have now used secret talismans to send messages, and the matter of Yuehua Mansion colluding with the demonic path has also been reported! We should get back to them soon, but we don't know how they will respond."

The voice of Master Jiyue then rang out: "Such a monstrous disaster shall be judged by the laws of the Immortal Dynasty. I imagine that the central government of the Immortal Dynasty will take swift and decisive action upon receiving the news. We only need to stabilize the situation and safely escort the witnesses and evidence. As long as the Immortal Dynasty sends people to take action, this calamity should be quelled."

Inside the cave, Chen Qing heard these things and had a different set of thoughts.

"If the Celestial Dynasty could truly quell the demonic calamity with overwhelming force, how could there be records of the Taiyin Sect offering sacrifices to seal the sea eye in later generations? There must have been some twists and turns in the story."

By extrapolating the process from the outcome, he realized that there were still twists and turns. The key was that the arrangement at Yuehua Mansion had made him realize that the calamity recorded on the stone tablet had probably already begun.

"The demonic essence before us is merely the tip of the iceberg. The extraterrestrial demons have likely already descended, and this is precisely the time for their initial infiltration and accumulation! Logically speaking, now is indeed the easiest time to nip the threat in the bud."

He stared at the dark red blood light struggling in the Buddha's light, and a thought became clearer: "If we can analyze its origin, understand the root of the demonic intent, or make use of it, we can gain some initiative in the future, whether we seek advantage or avoid harm, or make some achievements! The key is, where should we start with this matter of the demonic path? The Mysterious Prison?"

He recalled the Blood Soul Demon Light Technique he now possessed, as well as the demonic cultivator imprisoned in the Xuan Prison who claimed to know the Demon Ancestor's Qi Talisman.

"I wonder if the Blood Soul Demon Light General Technique can refine this blood light, or if I can find a corresponding method in the present world? Or should I just protect myself and at most help Elder Youchan? However, these are all things to be discussed later. For now, I should sort out my dream body first."

The previous battle at the Demon Sacrifice seemed to be a crushing victory, but in reality, it consumed an astonishing amount of resources!
"My Dharma Wheel is depleted by five or six tenths, and my Golden Body is even more severely damaged. If I were to engage in another intense battle at the Golden Core level, let alone a tenth Golden Body, even a sixth or seventh layer would be completely drained!"

His gaze swept across the depths of his dantian.

Seventy-two yellow and green sword talismans circled and shuttled around, but the supernatural stars that had gathered the Dharma Wheel and the Golden Body had become sparse.

"The Dharma Wheel and the Golden Body need to be nurtured and replenished slowly; they cannot be rushed. The Seventy-Two Sword Talismans are enough to crush weaklings, but they are not a reliable means to break through enemy lines or confront those above the Golden Core stage."

With this thought in mind, Chen Qing focused his attention on the two external cores!
These two external pills are not talismanic powers that are consumed in one go. Although the consumption of the Nirvana Dharma Wheel and the Buddha Light Golden Body had also affected a trace of the power of the external pills, the damage to their essence was negligible.

"The Nirvana Buddha Light and the Great Sun True Flame—if their power can be fully and thoroughly utilized, or even further enhanced to illuminate my path of cultivation, it would be sufficient for me to contend against fifth and sixth-level Golden Core cultivators before I achieve the Golden Core stage!"

Just then, a voice from Master Hanjing came from outside the cave: "Junior Brother, are you ready to rest? Fellow Daoist Jiyue suggested that we split into two groups. One group will escort the traitor to the Guanghan Palace and use the Ice Soul Rainbow Bridge to send him to the Immortal Dynasty; the other group will escort Junior Brother Jiming and the Demonic Essence to the Netherworld Ancient Cave of the Taiyin Sect, and try to obliterate this fiend with the power of the Nine Nether Soul-Suppressing Stele. What do you think?"

"Dividing the routes is indeed a prudent strategy."

Chen Qing's gaze narrowed slightly, and he nodded in agreement, but his thoughts ran deeper: "The matter of the demonic calamity is deeply entangled. To plan carefully before acting, we must first ascertain the reaction of the Immortal Dynasty's central government to this matter, not to mention..."

His gaze swept across the vast snowstorm outside the cave.

"If we crowd together, so many people riding the airship together would be like handing over a live target to potential pursuers in the shadows! After all, it's dangerous when there are too many people on the airship."

Seeing his junior brother agree, Master Hanjing laughed and said, "Good! Then it's settled! Fellow Daoist Jiyue and I will escort the two demons, Chenguang and the others, directly to the Jade Capital via the Guanghan Ice Soul Rainbow Bridge! Junior brother, you and Fellow Daoist Youchan, take that demonic and evil object and hurry to the Netherworld Ancient Cave of the Taiyin Sect! The Nine Nether Soul-Suppressing Stele is an ancient wonder that may be able to obliterate this demon!"

He had clearly thought things through, and he trusted and was particularly at ease with his junior brother who had repeatedly created miracles.

After a pause, Master Hanjing lowered his voice slightly: "Furthermore, I just had a private discussion with fellow Daoists Jiyue and Youchan. Junior Brother, your path of cultivation is unique and requires verification through myriad methods. The 'Great Sun True Flame' Daoist jade slip can be exchanged with the Guanghan Palace and the Taiyin Sect respectively for a Yin-attribute Daoist true explanation that directly leads to the Golden Core, for your study. They have already informed their respective sects about this matter, so there should be no obstacles!"

One effort, two rewards?
Upon hearing this, Chen Qing's heart stirred.

Previously, in the Guanghan Palace, he had to demonstrate his abilities to gain entry into the Dao Realm. Now, they were actually offering to exchange their paths? The Taiyin Sect had also had many concerns before, so the speed at which the two sides changed their attitudes was somewhat beyond his expectations.

But a thought flashed through his mind, and he immediately understood.

The battle at the Demon Cave Altar, where he overpowered a fifth-stage Golden Core cultivator and annihilated the demonic Blood Shadow, was likely the reason for the change in attitude. These two families no longer valued the exchange of cultivation paths. "Senior Brother, you've gone to great lengths."

"There is one more thing," Master Hanjing said in a slightly somber tone, turning his gaze to the cave entrance. "Nephew Ling Wan and Miss Xuan Su had their foundations corrupted by the filthy demonic energy in the Demon Cave. Although they are not seriously injured, it is not advisable for them to recklessly use their true energy. They need to rest and recuperate for some time to remove the remaining turbid energy. We will need to wait here for a while longer."

“That’s only right.” Chen Qing had no objection.

Damage to the foundation is a serious matter and cannot be rushed.

At the cave entrance, Ling Wan sat cross-legged, circulating the Guanghan Heart Sutra to cleanse the cold demonic energy that had invaded her meridians. Her brows furrowed with frustration and resentment.

As the number one fighter in the Guanghan Palace this generation, he has become a complete burden this time, which is more embarrassing for her than being injured.

Xuan Su, standing to the side, remained calm. Possessing innate wisdom and a clear mind, she was using the Taiyin Secret Transmission to guide pure and righteous energy, washing away the impurities.

The cave fell silent for a moment.

Master Hanjing and Master Jiyue discussed the details of escorting Chenguang and Dianhengzi in hushed tones.

Suddenly, the communication jade talisman on Jiyue Zhenren's waist lit up with a clear light. She concentrated for a moment, then looked up and said, "Senior Brother Hanjing, the imperial envoy has arrived at Guanghan Palace! He has ordered us to quickly escort Chenguang and Dianhengzi there! It concerns the root of the Northern Demon Tribulation, and the envoy wants to question them personally."

Master Hanjing frowned: "So fast? Then what about Junior Brother and Ling Wan and the others..." His gaze swept over Chen Qing and Ling Wan and Xuan Su, who were meditating.

Jiyue Zhenren also looked troubled, but the order from the celestial envoy was no small matter.

Chen Qing opened his eyes and calmly said, "Senior brother, you and fellow Daoist Jiyue should go now. I will stay here."

Youchan also said, "The arrival of the envoy from the Immortal Dynasty is just the right time to clarify the root of the demonic calamity. This is the big picture. A few remnant demons and a few minor monsters cannot cause any trouble. Besides Fellow Daoist Jiming, I am here to protect you. After Xuansu and Lingwan finish their meditation, we will head to the Taiyin Sect."

Master Hanjing and Master Jiyue exchanged a glance.

Then, Han Jing nodded and said, "Alright! Junior Brother, be careful in everything! We will go and return quickly!" Without further hesitation, he swept up the Ice Soul True Qi, grabbed Chen Guang and Dian Hengzi, and together with Ji Yue, they transformed into two streams of light, breaking through the wind and snow outside the cave and disappearing into the horizon.

The cave suddenly became empty and quiet.

Ling Wan sat cross-legged at the cave entrance, her face still somewhat pale. As she circulated the Guanghan Heart Sutra, wisps of black energy rose from her head.

She pressed her lips together, staring at the direction where Han Jing and Ji Yue had disappeared, her thoughts a jumble of emotions.

If it weren't for the fact that he and Xuan Su were corrupted by demonic energy, which slowed down their journey, the two of them wouldn't have had to leave in such a hurry. He, the "number one in combat" among the younger generation of the Guanghan Palace, had become a burden in the face of real danger!
Amidst the turmoil in her emotions, her internal energy became slightly disordered, and her thoughts became chaotic.

"Om-"

The suppressed dark red blood light in Chen Qing's palm seemed to be a shark that had smelled blood, suddenly bursting out with ferocious energy, frantically attacking the Buddhist light barrier, its target vaguely locked onto Ling Wan, whose aura was disordered!
Chen Qing's eyes narrowed, and the Qingqiu Fire in his Niwan Palace leaped, sensing the change in the thoughts of the person beside him. He immediately said, "Ling Wan!" "A sharp sword is easily broken, but a firm heart is hard to break! Protecting the Dao is secondary; guarding the heart is fundamental!"

His voice wasn't loud, but those sixteen words, like ice and jade clashing, struck straight into Ling Wan's mind!
Ling Wan's body trembled, and in an instant, the confusion and sadness in her eyes disappeared.

The crimson light within the golden Buddha-light shield let out a resentful shriek before dimming.

A few breaths later, Ling Wan exhaled a breath of turbid air and bowed solemnly to Chen Qing: "I will forever remember the kindness of Fellow Daoist Ji Ming in enlightening me!"

Chen Qing nodded slightly, said no more, closed his eyes again, and focused all his strength on suppressing the demonic intent.

time flies.

Half a day later, Ling Wan and Xuan Su opened their eyes almost simultaneously, their eyes shining brightly and their auras full and harmonious, clearly indicating that their foundations had been restored.

“Fellow Daoist Jiming, Fellow Daoist Xuansu and I are now free of obstacles and may depart,” Ling Wan said, rising to her feet.

Chen Qing also opened his eyes, about to speak.

"Roar--"

"Ow!"

Outside the cave, several shrill screams suddenly rang out!
"Something's wrong!" Ling Wan and Xuan Su instantly went on alert, raising their Ice Soul Swords and Xuan Yin Auras simultaneously, their gazes fixed on the swirling snow and wind at the cave entrance.

Chen Qing's eyes narrowed slightly.

"call--"

The wind and snow were driven away by a powerful aura, and several figures calmly stepped into the cave, stepping on the broken ice shards.

The leader, dressed in a dark Taoist robe, had a withered face and exuded a profound and awe-inspiring aura of a Golden Core cultivator, yet remained composed.

Behind him followed several young disciples, all of whom exuded a powerful aura.

One of them stood out, with a tall and straight figure, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and a handsome face. His gaze was sharp and confident, and his cultivation had reached the late stage of Yin Shen. He stood out from the crowd of disciples.

His gaze swept across the cave, lingering slightly on Ling Wan's face before he smiled.

The old man's gaze lingered on Chen Qing's palm for a moment before he spoke: "I am Yin Jiujiu of the Xuan Yin Sect. I have come here on the orders of the sect leader to guide you all to thoroughly investigate the root cause of this demonic calamity. All subsequent matters here will be handled by my Xuan Yin Sect. You will return to the sect with me and record in detail all the demonic events you know in the Record Book."

As soon as he finished speaking, the handsome young man stepped forward, his gaze fixed intently on Ling Wan, a bright and confident smile on his face: "With me, Yang Rui, here, this mere demon can be destroyed with a flick of the wrist. Ling Wan, rest assured, once you enter the territory of my Xuan Yin Sect, I will ensure your safety."

"Your words are completely unfounded!" Ling Wan's eyebrows were like knives as she said coldly, "We have already escaped danger, why do we need your protection? Besides, with Fellow Daoist Ji Ming here, it is others who should be wary! Moreover, this matter has nothing to do with the Xuan Yin Sect."

Yang Rui's smile froze slightly, then his brows furrowed as he looked at Chen Qing, who was sitting cross-legged. Seeing that Chen Qing's aura was deep and that his palm held a strange blood-red light, Yang Rui stepped forward and said, "Jiming? You are the number one fighter in the East? It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for protecting my fellow cultivators in the North. Now that we are here, you have accomplished your mission. Now, just hand over the remnants of the demonic path to us."

　I'll guarantee at least three chapters today, the second one will probably be quite late...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)