The Path to Immortality: Starting with an Analysis of Basic Concepts

"Um?…"

"Blue-eyed Demon" Wanyan Hong seemed to sense something and looked down. He saw that the heart he had just taken from the people from beyond the realm had somehow slumped into a pile of foul-smelling mud.

He frowned, and just as he was about to shake off the mud, he suddenly felt a fleeting aura that made him extremely uncomfortable.

"Um?…"

"Azure-eyed Demon" Wanyan Hong's gaze narrowed slightly as he looked inward at himself. He found nothing amiss and was puzzled for a moment. Then, seeing the strange methods used by the extraterrestrial cultivators encroaching upon him, he suppressed his thoughts, a sinister smile appearing in his eyes. He raised his hand, made a grasping motion, and then slammed it forward violently.

Without any unusual phenomena occurring, the spreading black and gray aura suddenly collapsed inward as if struck by a heavy blow, forming an exaggerated inner arc. Then, a deafening roar, as if the sky were collapsing, resounded throughout.

Boom…

Yang Jiu, the "Black Fiend Serpent," was not idle either. Strands of scarlet flames rose and condensed into a huge, almost tangible scarlet python. It leaned back and then slammed down like a whip.

Rumble...

A blinding light illuminated half the sky, and amidst the surging collisions, the dark gray halo visibly collapsed inward in a huge arc, trembling incessantly, seemingly about to break apart.

Just then.

A bolt of azure lightning, as thick as a bucket, suddenly shot out from the dark gray aura and struck the blood python's head, causing it to freeze.

Before he could react,

A torrent of chilling white light surged forth once more, followed by a series of sharp, metallic clanging sounds. The blood python's head was thrown high into the air by the impact, and the surging cold light followed closely behind, enveloping its head. With a series of cracking sounds, the blood python fell to the ground, its head nowhere to be seen.

In this regard.

Yang Jiu, the "Black Fiend Serpent," paid little attention, his gaze fixed on the churning, ever-changing cold light, and he exclaimed in admiration:

"A weapon with such profound and spiritual power..."

As the voice rang out, the headless blood python stood up proudly, its neck glowing with blood, and its head reappeared, biting down again, but not at the spreading black and gray halo, but at that chilling, menacing light.

Just then.

Suddenly, the blood python seemed to be struck by a heavy blow. Its newly manifested head visibly collapsed inward before crashing to the ground, causing dust to rise and stones to fly everywhere.

A sound like metal scraping against metal rang out slowly.

"Brother Yang Jiu, please rest for a moment, let me do it..."

Yang Jiu, the "Black Fiend Serpent," visibly darkened his face, his gaze fixed on Wanyan Hong, the "Azure-Eyed Ghost," who was reaching for the ball of cold light. A chilling killing intent flashed in his narrow snake eyes.

But when his gaze fell upon the top of the python's head, his expression froze. He didn't make a move, but stepped onto the top of the now-restored blood python's head. Just as he had said, he stepped aside, crossed his arms, and it was unclear whether he was there to support the python or to watch the show.

"Is this the strength of a martial artist at the peak of the Dharma Aspect Realm? No wonder he's comparable to a Foundation Establishment Grandmaster at the peak of the Threefold Dharma Gate..."

Within the "Mass Graveyard" area, Zhu Yu stared intently at Wanyan Hong, the "Azure-Eyed Ghost," who was attempting to suppress and seize the original power of the spiritual artifact "Lingxiao."

In his line of sight.

Wanyan Hong, the "Blue-Eyed Demon," appears to be ordinary, but behind him stands a malevolent demon with a body as large as a mountain, a blue face with fangs, and disheveled hair.

Every move he makes.

The evil spirit behind him made the same movement, seemingly silent, but when it touched the target, it was like a thunderclap, instantly unleashing unimaginable terrifying power.

If he hadn't mastered the "Mass Burial Mound" technique, he probably wouldn't have been able to withstand even a single punch.

"Very well, I've killed too many people, now it's time for me to taste what it's like to be killed..."

Zhu Yu glanced at Yang Jiu, the "Black Fiend Serpent" who was watching him intently not far away. Knowing that Yang Jiu wouldn't give him a chance to escape by manifesting the "Bronze Gate," he made up his mind and chuckled.

Killing him is acceptable.

But he can't just die in vain...

He then excitedly began to devise a method he had long envisioned: to perish together with the enemy.

That is, the supernatural power "Superior Man" carries the supernatural power "Mass Graveyard", and the "Mass Graveyard" field enhances the supernatural power "Superior Man", so as to fully exert its characteristics that as long as it is not killed in an instant, it can recover with its powerful self-healing ability, and become stronger the more it is fought, as well as giving backlash and cursing the enemy.

of course.

The power of "Superior Man" has an upper limit, so he definitely can't win in a fight. But if he accumulates enough power, when he dies, the curse from the backlash of his supernatural power "Superior Man" will surely give him a big surprise.

This is like a toad taking advantage of someone's kindness; if it doesn't kill you, it'll disgust you to death.

"call…"

A flurry of thoughts flashed through his mind. Zhu Yu took a deep breath, raised his hand, and the sword threads manifested from the origin of the spiritual weapon "Lingxiao" fell down as he dodged the capture of "Azure-Eyed Ghost" Wanyan Hong, taking the form of a sword.

With a slight thought, the "mass grave" that had been extending outwards rapidly collapsed and shrank inwards, turning into streams of black and gray light that entered his body. His skin visibly turned pale and transparent, his black hair turned white and fell loose over his shoulders, and an ancient talisman flashed by between his eyebrows.

He immediately channeled his magic power to unleash the supernatural ability "Superior Man," looked up at the mountain-sized fist crashing down, smiled, and raised his sword to meet it.

Rumble...

A short while passed.

Above the ruins of the city.

"Blue-eyed Demon" Wanyan Hong stood in mid-air, his brows revealing no trace of having slain extraterrestrial demons. They seemed somewhat puzzled, and confused as to why.

At this time.

Yang Jiu, the "Black Serpent" who had only made one move and then none more, withdrew his Dharma form, stepped forward, clasped his hands and said, "Brother Wanyan deserves the greatest credit for the recapture of Yongzhou. I will certainly report to Prince Qin and request credit from the governor and the court on behalf of Brother Wanyan."

Upon hearing this...

"Blue-eyed Demon" Wanyan Hong snapped out of his daze, suppressed the unease in his heart, laughed twice, and waved his hand, saying:

"I think this leader of the extraterrestrial demons is nothing special, just a minor achievement."

"I've heard that the Crown Prince of Qin was recently appointed and may lack capable protectors. I am unworthy, but I am willing to safeguard his safety until the 'Demon Extermination Order' ends."

He paused, then looked at Yang Jiu with his emerald eyes and grinned:

"I'll have to trouble Brother Yang Jiu to lead the way."

Yang Jiu, nicknamed "Black Serpent," twitched his eyelids, suppressing his dissatisfaction, and smiled, "If the young master knew that Brother Wanyan had such a chivalrous heart, he would be overjoyed and would treat him as an honored guest." As he spoke, he gestured, "Brother Wanyan, please."

"Hahaha, let's go, let's go! With you and me joining forces, what are we afraid of that old devil Huang Shi..."

"Green-eyed Demon" Wanyan Hong laughed twice, and together with "Black Fiend Snake" Yang Jiu, whose face was slightly darkened, they stepped into the air and left the ruins, disappearing in an instant.

at this time.

Foundation building realm.

Within a certain spirit realm contained within the Qingping Spirit Realm.

The "Origin of the Spirit Ruins" floating in mid-air suddenly shrank by one circle, and wisps of black and gray light gathered out of thin air, instantly condensing into a cold-faced young man with black hair flowing down his shoulders.

"hiss…"

With a long, drawn-out breath, it suddenly opened its eyes. Its dark, abyss-like pupils flickered, and the blackness faded.

The whites of his eyes appeared, he exhaled softly, and his expression became lively.

With a slight thought, a robe materialized. He rubbed his face, grinned, and suddenly laughed:

"So this is what death feels like..."

"Yeah, it's best to avoid dying if you can avoid it in the future..."

Forcibly suppressing the despair, panic, and other emotions of life and death deep in his mind, he looked at the "Origin of the Spirit Ruins" that had shrunk by one circle in mid-air and couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

Up to now.

He occupied the five counties for about half a month.

In total, the dividends that "True Lord Qingping" gave him amounted to nearly 2,300 "Spiritual Ruins Origin" and 150 catties of Five Elements Essence.

However, manifesting his true form consumed nearly three hundred strands of his spiritual essence.

That adds up to about one-seventh of the cost, how could he not feel the pinch?

Considering that they are likely to face a counterattack from "Green-Eyed Demon" Wanyan Hong and "Black Serpent" Yang Jiu, the five prefectures they currently occupy will probably be taken back by them one by one before long.

Without any more profit sharing, he felt even more heartbroken.

"well…"

Zhu Yu shook his head helplessly. If he were to construct a second "Native Spirit Ruins" and cultivate part of the inherited technique "Eternal Immortal," he might be able to put up a fight against it by relying on the advantage of the terrain.

However, he now has enough "Spiritual Ruins Origin" and "Five Elements Essence" but lacks one of the special Dao landscapes, "Yellow Springs Road," and the precious spiritual objects needed to alter his "Natural Spiritual Ruins."

The "Dead Soul Master" sells the spiritual item he needs, the "Red Spider Lily".

With only one thousand "Spiritual Ruins Origin" per plant, it's prohibitively expensive for most people.

"I wonder if anyone in the 'Vast River' sells 'Netherworld Soil,' 'Yellow Spring Water,' or 'Other Shore Flowers,' or even has a virtual market for the various tribes of the Insect Realm..."

Zhu Yu thought for a moment, but his mind had to be on the distraction. Knowing that the "distraction" was about to arrive, he suppressed his thoughts for the time being.

With a slight thought, he contacted Qiao Heyong, Hong Youfu, and Yao Ye, who were located in Huangliang County, and instructed them to return to their natal spirit ruins. He also notified Cang Hai and the others to evacuate Huangliang County.

There are also whales, dream creatures, and blood slaves located in other counties...

Not long after.

One after another, bronze doors appeared out of thin air, and people walked out one after another. When they saw Zhu Yu sitting cross-legged in mid-air with a clearly unpleasant expression, their hearts tightened slightly, and they all stepped into the air to get closer and respectfully greeted him.

"Your subordinate greets Your Excellency."

"My Lord".

"Um."

Zhu Yu nodded slightly, and without further ado, instructed, "You all must retrieve the scattered 'Tu Yu Ren' (a type of spirit) from their natal spirit realms and not linger."

He gave a brief explanation, then waved his hand and said:

"Go."

"Yes, sir."

Upon hearing that Zhu Yu's main body had been killed, Qiao Heyong, Hong Youfu, and the others tensed up. They dared not linger, much less act recklessly, and obediently followed orders to leave their natal spirit ruins to gather the scattered "Tu Yu people".

Whale, Blood Slave, and Dream dared not say more and left one after another.

Zhu Yuju appeared at the bronze gate and was about to leave when, as if sensing something, he looked up at the black sun in the sky.

hum…

A penetrating insect chirp resounded in all directions, and then a butterfly shadow, almost occupying half the sky, with seven colors and filled with a wild and ancient aura, appeared.

The moment it appeared.

The thunderclouds dissipated, and the spiritual energy, malevolent energy, and deathly energy that filled the air retreated...

For several breaths.

The butterfly's shadow then transformed into a shower of seven-colored light and disappeared.

next moment.

A faint white light flashed and disappeared from the dark sun.

Zhu Yu felt a weight on his shoulder and a cool sensation on his cheek. A strong connection in his mind continuously transmitted feelings of love and joy to him.

He smiled and turned to look.

Xiaoyu's figure came into view. Compared with before, its size did not change much after advancing to the second level. Only its jade-like body was slightly tinged with silver-white. The biggest change was in its wings and blade-like forelimbs.

Its wings were seven-colored and trembled slightly, creating faint ripples in the air and giving him a feeling of trepidation.

The blade-like forelimbs are longer, resembling two hundred scythes, with more complex blood patterns on them, making them appear dazzlingly sharp.

"This means... Xiaoyu inherited the 'Sky-Splitting Butterfly' innate divine power?..."

Zhu Yu's gaze fell on Xiao Yu's wings, his eyes lit up, and he gently lifted her into his palm, staring intently at her.

[Target: Xiaoyu]

[Race: Mutant Jade Mantis]

[Bloodline: Sky-Splitter Butterfly]

[Cultivation Level: Early Stage 2 (1%)]

[Innate Divine Abilities: Sky-Splitting Slash, Teleportation]

[Foundation: Spatial Spirit "Space"]

[Status: Healthy, Happy.]

"Dual supernatural powers..."

Zhu Yu's eyes lit up, but when he saw the word "teleportation," he was stunned. When he came to his senses, he didn't feel much joy, but instead showed a look of regret.

"Teleportation" is a lower-level supernatural power.

It is among the top-tier lower-level supernatural powers, and in terms of life-saving ability, it is even stronger than most mid-level supernatural powers.

But it depends on what you're comparing it to.

Compared to the "Void Rift" talent ability of the "Sky-Splitting Butterfly," "Teleportation" is far inferior.

Previously, she could walk in the void, appearing and disappearing like a ghost. Even a True Monarch at the "Golden Core Realm" would find it difficult to track her movements. However, "teleportation" only allows Xiaoyu to jump from one spatial node to another, and the teleportation range is also limited by her cultivation level.

As if sensing his thoughts, Xiaoyu, whose intelligence had greatly increased, tilted her head, and the thoughts she conveyed suddenly became faint and somewhat dejected.

Zhu Yu hurriedly suppressed his distracting thoughts, holding Xiao Yu in his hands as if she were a precious treasure, his face full of praise as he sincerely complimented her:

"Xiaoyu has awakened two supernatural powers, making her far more powerful than Qiao Heyong and Jing. From now on, Master will have to rely on you for protection."

Having been young and naive, Xiaoyu was instantly invigorated by a few words, excitedly rubbing its bladed arm. If it weren't for the fact that it was in the "Spiritual Ruins of its Origin," where it was difficult to harm any plant or tree, it would have definitely shown Zhu Yu just how powerful it was now.

Zhu Yu patted its little head, then, as if remembering something, chuckled and said, "Let's go see Little Black and the others..."

Everyone says that returning home in glory is a good thing. Now that Xiaoyu has made it big, how can we prove its success without looking at its old partner?

hum…

The small jade mouthpiece trembled, conveying a joyful emotion.

The man and the insect took a few steps and arrived at the "Starry Sky Tree" divinely bestowed spiritual seed. Before they could wake up the sleeping little black dog lying under the tree and the little seven dog sleeping soundly on its carapace, the "Starry Sky Tree" first got all flustered.

"Wow…"

"Get out of here! Get out of here! 'Starry Sky Wood' is about to get angry!"

Zhu Yu: "..."

Xiao Yu's swaying figure froze, the blade rubbing against each other with a hissing sound, and a chilling aura of sword intent spread out.

"They're going to kill the trees! They're going to kill the trees!..."

"Wake up, you little rascal! Your tree's dying..."

If you could only read one fantasy novel in your life, it would probably be "The Path to Immortality: Starting with Analyzing Basic Concepts".