I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 230 The Transaction, The Path to Immortality!

The woman in red didn't give Chen Mo and Bai Yujing much time to think before she spoke directly: "Come with me into the Dao Palace."

After leaving behind a message, the woman in red led the way toward the gate of the Taoist palace.

Chen Mo and Bai Yujing exchanged a glance, then followed closely behind.

Chen Mo, in particular, perhaps because it was his first time there, was instinctively more wary, and he looked around as he walked.

Judging from the conversation between the Empress and Bai Yujing just now... their relationship is so-so. Perhaps they were on good terms before, but after so many years apart, even the best relationships have faded.

In addition, Chen Mo also noticed that the Empress was quite easygoing and did not refer to herself as "朕" (zhen, meaning "I" or "the emperor"), but rather as "我" (wo, meaning "I" or "me").

That's a bit too open-minded.

Soon, Chen Mo followed him into the gate of the Dao Palace and saw that it was a large courtyard with a large Go board carved on the ground. The crisscrossing lines divided the area into points.

Several stone tables were placed on both sides of the courtyard, with chessboards and black and white chess pieces on the tables.

However, these chess pieces were not intact; many were scattered on the ground.

It looks like... someone was playing chess here, and then one of them couldn't take it anymore... and flipped the table!?

However, along the way, Chen Mo did not find a second person besides the Empress.

There were no maids or guards.

Seeing that the Empress had walked quite far away, Chen Mo approached Bai Yujing and asked softly, "Xiao Ye, besides the Empress, are there other people living here?"

Bai Yujing shook her head. "No. I used to cultivate on the lower level, and I would occasionally come here to practice. Only the Empress lives on this level."

Chen Mo kept these words in mind and didn't ask any further questions.

But a question remained in my mind.

After crossing the courtyard, we arrived at the main hall of the Taoist palace.

This place belongs to the highest level of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Ascents of the Daoist Sect, holding a unique position. However, the furnishings in the main hall were not as grand and magnificent as Chen Mo had imagined; instead, they were quite simple.

There were no statues of Bodhisattvas, incense tables, or images of deities. The main hall contained only a long table with writing brushes, ink, paper, and a chessboard. On either side were some tea tables and chairs, among other furniture.

This surprised Chen Mo somewhat.

This doesn't resemble a Taoist palace at all.
It clearly resembles the living room of a simple home.

The Empress was very approachable. After taking her seat at the head of the table, she gestured for Bai Yujing and Chen Mo to sit down, and then tossed out a wooden puppet. With a "rip," the puppet instantly came to life and began to serve tea to Chen Mo and Bai Yujing.

The Empress crossed her long legs, picked up her teacup, and took a leisurely sip of tea. "Little Bai, it's been over a hundred years since we last met. I heard that you established the Jade Capital Mountain Dojo in the Great Qian Dynasty, promoting Taoist teachings, doctrines, and swordsmanship. The Great Qian even respectfully calls you the Sword Saint. It seems you've achieved quite a bit these past years. You've certainly promoted Taoism. I'm very proud of you."

Bai Yujing said, "It is thanks to the Empress's teachings that I was able to learn Taoist magic and swordsmanship. I am grateful for my teacher's kindness, and it is my duty to promote Taoist magic and teachings outside."

The Empress casually chatted, "Don't be so modest. With your talent, you are rare even in the entire Northern Liang. In the past hundred years, how many disciples of the Daoist sect have there been? Yet only a handful have achieved what you have. The Daoist sect does not belong to me alone, but to everyone. We need everyone to promote it so that the Daoist sect can flourish in this land. Helping others is helping oneself. This is a great merit."

"My contributions to the Daoist sect are insignificant compared to the Empress's."

The two exchanged pleasantries and chatted casually, initially feeling somewhat awkward with each other.

As the conversation flowed, the Empress and Bai Yujing also became interested in talking, recounting many things from the past. The Empress was particularly interested in the affairs of the Great Qian Dynasty, and Bai Yujing didn't hide anything. She recounted everything she had seen and heard in the Great Qian Dynasty.

After about half an hour, the two of them became much more comfortable and familiar with each other.

Chen Mo remained silent throughout, carefully observing the Empress. Overall, the Empress was not arrogant or condescending during their conversation. Instead, she was open-minded and approachable.

There's not much pressure getting along with them.

Finally, the Empress changed the subject, "What brings you to Northern Liang with Chen Mo this time?"

Bai Yujing looked embarrassed and hesitated several times before finally saying, "Let Chen Mo speak."

Bai Yujing knew that her purpose in coming here was to introduce Chen Mo to the Empress.

Now that the reminiscing was over, she felt the time was right and it was time for Chen Mo to speak.

The Empress turned to Chen Mo and smiled slightly, "Young Master Chen Mo, Bai Yujing and I are old friends, and I can be considered half her teacher. Just say what you want to say directly, there's no need to be ambiguous."

Chen Mo nodded and began his story by recounting how Jiang Hongyue was targeted by Empress Dowager Xiao after entering the palace, and finally recounted his own confrontation with Empress Dowager Xiao in the Great Qian Palace. He then rose and bowed respectfully.

"I have come to Beiliang because the Great Qian has no place for me to stay. I have long heard of the Empress's unparalleled beauty and profound Taoist magic. I wish to seek protection and also follow the Empress in cultivating Taoism. I wonder if this is presumptuous of me."

Chen Mo had considered this carefully before saying it.

Faced with an unparalleled being like the Empress, Chen Mo felt it best not to beat around the bush. It would be more sincere to speak directly. It wouldn't be good if the Empress thought he was cunning and calculating.

"You're quite honest," the Empress suddenly chuckled. She neither agreed nor refused.

This made Chen Mo a little nervous.

If the Empress refused to take him in, Chen Mo felt he would have to take Bai Yujing away from the capital of Beiliang and live outside.

After a pause, Chen Mo spoke up: "In addition, Bai Yujing destroyed his sword heart during his fight with Empress Xiao this time. I would also like to ask the Empress to help me rebuild the sword heart."

The Empress said, "You're quite the shrewd operator. You've set three conditions at once; what benefit do I possibly gain?"

Chen Mo thought to himself: You, Empress, have long since transcended mortality and ascended to immortality, high above all. What benefits could I possibly offer you?
Finally, she managed to say, "The Empress is benevolent."

The Empress stared at Chen Mo for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha."

The Empress smiled broadly, "You think you can dismiss me with just a word of benevolence? Businessmen in the Great Qian Dynasty are all shrewd. Even if I were benevolent, I wouldn't have given you so many benefits for no reason."

Upon hearing what the other party said, Chen Mo sensed that there was hope for this.

Chen Mo remained humble and said, "My abilities are insignificant, and I truly do not know what I can do for the Empress. If the Empress needs anything, please feel free to speak up. I will certainly do my best."

The Empress smiled and said, "There is something I am indeed interested in. If you can agree to it, I will grant the three conditions I just mentioned."

"Please speak plainly, Your Majesty."

The Empress said, "You have a close relationship with Jiang Hongyue. I suppose you have seen the ghost ship of the Jiang family?"

Chen Mo didn't hide anything: "I've met him."

The Empress nodded: "The ghost ship owner you met was a puppet, more symbolic than anything else. He didn't actually serve much purpose. There is, however, a real ghost ship in this world. I need you to accompany me on a journey on that ghost ship."

These words made Chen Mo feel somewhat uneasy.

Even a fool could tell that something was definitely wrong with this ghost ship.

All the people of Beiliang worship the Empress, and the Empress still worships the ghost ship.

Moreover, when Chen Mo first went to the Jiang family ancestral hall, he had a special connection with the ghost ship. However, that connection disappeared afterward.

Chen Mo considered the matter carefully. He really didn't have a better solution at the moment.

Moreover, he has an avatar and is not afraid of death.

It wouldn't hurt to agree.

With this in mind, Chen Mo no longer hesitated, "Since the Empress has spoken, I will respectfully comply."

The Empress's eyes revealed a hint of appreciation for Chen Mo. "Young Master Chen Mo is indeed straightforward. I have agreed to your three requests. You may stay here. You are free to go to any of the thirty-six heavens of the Daoist sect to cultivate and read the scriptures without hindrance. As for how much Daoist skill you can learn, that depends on your own destiny. In addition, I will help Bai Yujing rebuild his sword heart."

Chen Mo bowed and thanked him.

The Empress said, "There are a few empty rooms in the front courtyard of the Dao Palace. You and Bai Yujing can go inside and rest first. If you need anything, you can come here to find me. Let's settle in first."

Seeing that the Empress had given the order to leave, Chen Mo and Bai Yujing got up to take their leave.

Stepping out of the living room, they found several empty houses in the front yard. The houses were furnished and had all the necessary household items, but because no one had lived there for so long, they were covered in dust. Chen Mo and his companion tidied up for a while and then settled in.

The two of them cleaned up the two adjacent rooms.

Before long, night fell. Chen Mo sat cross-legged in his room and entered a meditative state, carefully comprehending the profound mysteries of the previous thirty-six heavens.

"The Empress does indeed seem somewhat otherworldly, and her words show she doesn't take Empress Dowager Xiao of the Great Qian Dynasty seriously. She can settle in here now and focus on her studies."

"I remember that the profound mysteries of the Thirty-Six Heavens that I comprehended before flowed into my natal ghost incense and zombie patterns. Let me take a closer look."

With this in mind, Chen Mo opened his inner vision and carefully examined his natal ghost incense and zombie patterns.

At first glance, no changes were found in the natal ghost incense and the stiff pattern.

After slightly manipulating the two forces, they discovered that there was a difference.

Although it is still the Great Perfection of Nine Sticks of Natal Ghost Incense and the Great Perfection of Nine Strands of Stiffness... the Natal Ghost Incense and the Strands of Stiffness are thicker and more substantial than before.

It can be considered as having received some kind of reinforcement.

"It seems that the profound mysteries of the Thirty-Six Heavens have a significant strengthening effect on cultivation. This is a bit abnormal; it's the first time I've encountered something like this."

You must understand that once one's cultivation reaches the Great Perfection of the Corpse Ancestor Ghost Emperor realm, further progress becomes extremely difficult. There is an unimaginable constraint that holds one back.

However, the profound mysteries of the Thirty-Six Heavens can also strengthen one's cultivation at the Great Perfection level.

Quite perverted.

Chen Mo had a guess about this: perhaps the core of the Thirty-Six Heavens' profound mystery is the same as that of the Thirty-Six Coffins. Both aim for ascension to immortality through corpse liberation?

If one comprehends the Thirty-Six Heavens, it is equivalent to being a coffin for thirty-six lifetimes.
So, the path to immortality... is actually already beneath my feet?
After this thought arose, Chen Mo became quite excited. "If that's the case, I can continue to comprehend the mysteries of the Thirty-Six Heavens, reinforcing my Great Perfection cultivation time and time again. If I accumulate enough, wouldn't it be possible to directly break through to the Corpse Ancestor and Ghost Emperor levels? Reaching the level of Corpse Liberation and Ascension to Immortality?"

The more Chen Mo thought about it, the more convinced he became that his guess was correct.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door.

Chen Mo opened the door and found Bai Yujing dressed in white. After welcoming Bai Yujing into the room, Chen Mo explained his guess, "Xiao Ye, what do you think?"

Ultimately, it was just speculation, and Chen Mo needed to verify it.

After all, it's a matter of great importance.

Bai Yujing frowned and said, "When I left this place before, my cultivation level had not yet reached the Martial Arts Grandmaster level. I did not have any special insights into the Thirty-Six Heavens. However... I feel that your speculation is not without reason. On the one hand, this Dao Tree and the Ascension Tree that appeared in the Great Qian Imperial Palace have similar supernatural powers. Moreover, the Dao Tree is much more powerful than the Elder Tree. But it has the effect of ascending to immortality. The Thirty-Six Coffins are a minor path, while the Thirty-Six Heavens are the great path."

Hearing Bai Yujing say the same thing, Chen Mo felt more confident: "Then I understand. Xiao Ye, go ask the Empress later? It would be best to confirm. While you're at it, ask the Empress if she has any methods for ascending to immortality that she can share?"

Bai Yujing glared at Chen Mo. "You're quite ambitious. You're asking about the method of ascension on your very first day here. Of all the people in Beiliang, only the Empress has managed to surpass the Grandmaster level and ascend to immortality in the past hundred years. Even if there is a method for ascension, it's probably the Empress's unique skill, and she might not tell us. But I will ask her."

"Alright, then I'll trouble you, Xiao Ye. I feel that the Heavenly Ladder contains the mysteries of the thirty-six heavens. I'll go and walk it again." Chen Mo hurriedly left the house.

Bai Yujing said, "It's very cold on the mountain at night, so you should take care of yourself."

"knew."

Chen Mo walked the Heavenly Ladder all night.

I still gained some insights.

The insights were very clear.

It was already past midnight when Chen Mo returned to his room in the Dao Palace. He discovered that his natal incense and the zombie pattern had been strengthened once again.

These sights made Chen Mo realize the possibility of breaking through to the level of Corpse Ancestor Ghost Emperor.

Northern Liang is truly a blessed land.

The days that followed returned to calm.

Chen Mo went to climb the Heavenly Ladder every day, keeping himself very busy.

Each time there are new gains, the Ghost Fragrance and the Stiff Skin are gradually being strengthened.

Bai Yujing followed the Empress, going to the main hall of the Dao Palace every day, where she played chess with the Empress and the Empress helped her rebuild her sword heart.

The years do not live, the seasons flow.

Half a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

For the past six months, Chen Mo has only done one thing: repeatedly walk the Stairway to Heaven.

Each time Chen Mo walks, his Ghost Fate Incense and Stiff Patterns are strengthened to a certain extent.

Compared to six months ago, Chen Mo's natal incense and zombie patterns have more than doubled in strength. However, he still hasn't detected any signs of ascending to immortality.

During this period, Chen Mo did not see the Empress many times.

The Empress seems to have a lot of free time.

He spends his days playing chess, living a very carefree life.

Until this evening.

Chen Mo had just returned to his residence in the Dao Palace after climbing the Heavenly Ladder. After reinforcing his natal incense and the zombie patterns, he was just about to rest when Bai Yujing suddenly knocked on the door.

"Chen Mo, come out quickly, the Empress wants you to go to the main hall of the Dao Palace."

Chen Mo was startled and opened the door: "Did the Empress say what she wanted to see me about?"

In the past six months, the Empress has never taken the initiative to contact Chen Mo.

This is the first time.

Bai Yujing shook her head: "The Empress didn't say anything, she just told you to hurry over. It seems there's something important."

(End of this chapter)