Become a true immortal by emulating all demons.

"Mr. Lin... can you understand it?"

His blood and qi surged like fire, making the man's face appear to light up and darken.

His voice shifted between two emotions, sometimes sounding like a fool's worry for Lin Shu, and sometimes filled with the majesty of a demon king.

"I don't quite understand."

Lin Shu tried to open his eyes wide. He could sense the mystery in these runes, but he could never understand their true meaning.

He couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

Just as Su Jingci said before, everyone in Yongzhou, from immortals to cultivators, is trapped in a state of "predicament".

Everyone was thinking about how to get out of the predicament.

Now, the Demon King Yuanyuan has taken the initiative to reveal the path to the future, an opportunity that many people dream of, but I am about to miss it because I am not wise enough.

Could it be that Yu Sheng's judgment in Blackwater City was correct, and that Lin's aptitude was really that dull?

That shouldn't be the case.

Lin Shu took a deep breath, still unwilling to let this opportunity slip by.

Just as he continued to carefully examine the runes, he heard a clear thumping sound in his ear.

Is that... a heartbeat?

A flicker of doubt crossed his eyes as he subconsciously turned inward.

The heart that had just been found was radiating vitality, beating powerfully at a special rhythm.

The obscure Dao patterns on it began to radiate light.

In an instant, Lin Shu entered a state of clarity, as if an icy spring had flowed through his mind, gradually calming his increasingly rapid breathing caused by anxiety.

"I think I can understand it now."

He turned his gaze back to the dark patterns on the body of the Demon King Yuanyuan.

In his clear black and white eyes, these runes were quickly deciphered and transformed into specific meanings in his mind.

"What does 'Imperial Eternal Bondage' mean?" Lin Shu didn't have time to deal with the heart problem for the time being, and asked with some curiosity.

"..."

These five words were like a key, unlocking the man's long-sealed memories.

His expression turned ferocious again, and after a long while, he uttered indistinctly, "The Path of Eternal Binding is the path of immortal puppets, not a good way to escape. If you want to break free from the control of the immortal sect, you need to comprehend the 'Reversing Tribulation and Stealing the Mechanism' yourself."

"It doesn't even sound like a good word."

Lin Shu raised an eyebrow slightly. It was either restraint or theft.

"The Nascent Soul Method does not distinguish between superior, middle, and inferior grades, but only between the high and low levels of the path. Although the Reverse Calamity Stealing Technique is a heretical and unorthodox path, and it is difficult to become a great power, it can bring freedom and ease. In our eyes, it is slightly better than the Eternal Binding Path."

The man's speech gradually became clearer: "I have cultivated for many years and sought countless opportunities, but I still haven't been able to bring the Body Tempering Technique into this path. Fortunately, it's just a supplementary cultivation technique; the focus is still on internal cultivation."

"I think I understand."

Lin Shu gently tapped her chin.

From the moment mortals embark on their cultivation journey, they are constantly entangled with the descendants of immortals.

By drawing in the essence of immortality, transforming it into the marrow of the Dao, and then forming immortal pills, cultivators who ascend to this level are not only controlled by their clansmen regarding the changes in their internal energy, but are also used as substitutes for others when needed.

Once cultivators reach the Nascent Soul stage, they naturally do not want to continue to be controlled by others.

Therefore, the method taught by the immortal sect is called the "Eternal Path of Imperial Binding," which means serving that group of people as slaves for life, presumably with some greater restrictions.

If you want to live a carefree life, you can only study unorthodox methods on your own.

In truth, Lin Shu had no choice at the moment, since the most urgent matter was to get the food on the table as soon as possible. However, he still couldn't help but ask, "Is there any room for improvement in the methods that have already been revised?"

"Yes!" the man nodded firmly.

The world is vast, and even immortals with bloodline constraints have the opportunity to break free from this predicament, let alone mortals who cultivate magic later in life.

"Okay, put it away. I've memorized it."

Lin Shu closed his eyes, and more than 300,000 taels of silver soared into the sky.

Supported by the radiant light, he was able to decipher the runes on the man's body.

"Bound for Eternal Business" is merely the path taken by this Body Tempering Method. The specific name of the technique is still unknown, but he has already vaguely figured out how this thing works.

"Ha!"

In Lin Shu's mind, the long-dormant painting unfolded rapidly, then swelled with the wind until it could no longer be seen, as if it had become a real world.

The demonic lion with wings on its back and four legs treading on blood-red clouds awoke once more.

Its body has reached its limit and can no longer absorb any blood essence. No matter how much money is invested, it will only be wasted.

But now, Lin Shu no longer lets it evolve on its own, but actively takes control of this world with her consciousness.

The vast, boundless evil silver was quickly transformed into qi and blood.

"Freeze it!"

A resounding, booming sound echoed through my thoughts.

Lin Shu crudely imitated the runes on the man's body, causing the vast amount of Qi and blood power to quickly gather into a palm-sized cloud of mist, which then twisted violently as if it were alive.

After collapsing time and time again, it finally transformed into blurry characters, which were then fiercely imprinted on the body of the demonic lion.

"roar!"

A mournful howl echoed through the sky, and the once robust and majestic demonic lion fell sadly to the ground, beginning to roll around in agony.

The indescribable pain nearly drove Lin Shu to a mental breakdown.

The second rune, which had finally taken shape, disintegrated once again into a dense fog of blood and qi.

"The Guardian Spiritual Root is there, please save it..."

This is no longer a torment that can be overcome simply by willpower.

The spiritual root that Lin Shu obtained during the Foundation Establishment stage is still playing a significant role to this day.

As he regained consciousness, he gasped for breath and continued to condense runes.

These strange and obscure patterns are like containers, helping this body to hold more vital energy and blood.

"But it is also a shackle."

Lin Shu was filled with mixed emotions. He could sense that these things seemed to represent someone he had never met.

He hadn't even met the other person yet, but he had already willingly accepted their control.

The imperial decree to bind him forever is indeed a testament to his reputation.

After an unknown amount of time, all twelve runes were formed and orderly imprinted on the demon lion's body.

The vast amount of blood and energy transformed from the 360,000 taels of evil silver all surged into these runes, transforming into a surging force that rapidly advanced within the body!

[Nascent Soul, Eternal Binding Path, Golden Peak Prison Suppression Technique: Introduction]

"..."

Lin Shu opened her eyes and looked down at the runes on her body that were exactly the same as those of the Demon King Yuan Yuan.

The jet-black color, like cloud patterns, covered his fair skin all over, even extending to his neck.

His expression was somewhat complicated.

The terrifying power contained within the runes was a force he had never dared to imagine before.

However, the words "Demon Lion" were quietly erased from the name of that magical technique and replaced with something similar to a place name, "Golden Peak."

It should be noted that the Demon Lion is Lin Shu's manifestation.

Does this mean that no matter who you were before or what techniques you practiced, once you leave your mark, it signifies the annihilation of your self?

From now on, only Jin Feng will remain!

"Your talent is something I've never heard of before." The man stood there, stunned.

He hadn't believed the young man's claim that he "had memorized it," so he hadn't taken back the runes on his body at all.

But at this moment, only astonishment remained in his eyes.

"It's alright."

Lin Shu tugged at the corner of her lips.

The fact that the other party didn't call him "Master Lin" is actually a good thing, indicating that what he received wasn't the approval of a fool, but rather Yuan Yuan's praise.

This finally overturns Yu Sheng's judgment.

"It seems like one piece is still missing."

Lin Shu took a slight step and looked at Yuan Yuan as if looking in a mirror. She saw that the other party was still covered with twelve runes, but his solid back was empty.

"This technique was passed down to me by the Heavenly Demon Palace."

Despite the excruciating pain in his head, Yuan Yuan wanted to take advantage of this brief moment of regaining his senses to reveal as much information as possible.

Unfortunately, his memory was clearly incomplete, and he paused for a long time after each sentence: "There are only twelve auxiliary runes, and one main rune is missing."

"Why didn't they release the Reverse Heist arc? Is it because it doesn't exist?"

Lin Shu didn't pay attention to those trivial details, but instead took the time to ask more questions about cultivation.

Yuan Yuan pondered for a long time, then said in a daze, "The Dharma cannot be passed on lightly... You should not casually reveal these runes to others... This is the path of cultivation, but also a fatal flaw. If someone sees through it, you will have no chance of winning in future battles."

"I see."

Lin Shu was taken aback for a moment, then said gratefully, "Thank you."

If that's the case, then the favor shown to him by the Demon King Yuanyuan is even greater, representing absolute trust, even to the point of entrusting his life to him.

"Can I join the Heavenly Demon Palace you mentioned?" he continued to ask.

Despite the leap in strength, finding a more stable backer would certainly be the best option.

"Alright, you're very handsome..." Demon King Yuan Yuan suddenly rubbed his forehead, veins throbbing, and insisted on finishing, "But you can only go by yourself, you can't bring anyone else..."

"what?"

Lin Shu really didn't understand what this had to do with appearance.

Just as he was about to ask for clarification, he saw that the Demon King Yuanyuan's eyes had become cloudy again, and he looked somewhat simple-minded.

"Master Lin, what is this!"

The man was startled by the black cloud patterns on the two bodies and slapped his arms repeatedly as if several insects had jumped onto him.

"fine."

Lin Shu sighed softly.

Just as I had guessed.

Given the control that immortal sects have over their cultivators, without a higher level of demonic power, even if Yuan Yuan is exceptionally talented, he would have no way to obtain this information.

But we can tell from the conversation just now.

This so-called Heavenly Demon Palace does not seem to be the boundless demon kingdom I imagined, but rather more like some kind of hidden force, perhaps not many people.

According to his deduction, the Demon King Yuanyuan must have had the opportunity to enter it, but chose to give it up because he could not bring his old subordinates and friends.

"So, we've taken the wrong path?"

Lin Shu muttered to herself as she looked out the window.

If even the more powerful demon race can only survive in this way, then...

Doesn't this prove that what he did in Yongzhou—controlling Longjizhang and Anren Prefecture, and thinking about protecting the demon people—was a completely wrong and impossible path?

And what does it mean to be good-looking...? Is appearance the threshold for joining the Heavenly Demon Palace?

What kind of bullshit conditions are these!

"call."

Lin Shu returned to the bedside, dispelled her distracting thoughts, and began to carefully experience the changes in her body.

With the support of twelve runes, if the power that once flowed was a trickle, it is now at least a boundless lake.

Since he opened his eyes, the sense of oppression Yuan Yuan gave him has completely disappeared.

Although it still felt extremely dangerous, it was no longer the same as before, where one would be powerless to resist and would be suffocated to death by the overwhelming aura.

"It seems like it lacks some depth."

Lin Shu clenched her fist. According to her previous estimate, it would take at least 500,000 taels of silver to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

Although he successfully broke through to the next level in his body tempering technique with the help of many external factors, he still needed to replenish the missing blood and qi with evil silver.

After some attempts, Lin Shu gradually became familiar with this Nascent Soul Body Tempering Method.

Under normal circumstances, runes will not be displayed.

They only surface when faced with a life-or-death situation and when all their strength is used.

It's both a signal to fight to the death and a sign that one's weaknesses have been completely exposed.

"His memory is incomplete, and you can't completely trust what he says."

Lin Shu carefully sorted out her thoughts. The Body Tempering Technique was alright. Even if it was really restricted in some way, the demon infant could be taken out. With the Qi Family Divine Power of Soul Splitting Thousand Threads, it wouldn't be too troublesome to deal with.

However, the internal method is different. Before fully understanding the situation, it is best to be prepared to secure the One-Shot Reverse Hijacking Machine Chapter.

"Even the 'Free and Easy Way' is a heretical path; is there no righteous path?"

Lin Shu lowered her eyes with a hint of greed.

One is trapped in the immortal sect, and the other takes a risky path. Both have their flaws, but since the predecessors defined the risky path, it means that they must have seen the right path.

"Never mind, you have to eat one bite at a time."

He gently shook his head, suppressing his emotions.

Now that she had some free time, Lin Shu finally had the opportunity to pay attention to that heart.

It is certain that it was because of the power of the Dao patterns above that I was able to understand those runes.

No wonder she is the embodiment of the one most valued by Young Master Qi.

It really does have something extraordinary about it!

This vicious dog probably wants to possess a half-life immortal's body and leave behind a "Young Master Qi" in the world.

"Tsk."

Lin Shu took out a white fur cloak from her storage ring.

He found it a bit strange from the beginning.

With Liu San's meager savings, who only wanted a reward, how could he possibly be willing to spend a fortune on such a luxurious garment?

I had a long chat with Old Yang when I passed by Anren Prefecture earlier, and I learned that this garment was originally brought with me by my predecessor.

"The timing doesn't match either."

The Demon King Yuanyuan met his end decades ago, and Young Master Qi began preparing to possess his body back then. Even the rising star He Wanbai had been living in Yongzhou for decades.

But with this body of mine, I look to be only in my early twenties at most.

Surely we weren't born looking like this, and we won't grow old, right?

The more the mystery is solved, the more puzzles seem to disappear.

Lin Shu rubbed her temples, feeling a slight headache.

In any case, although finding this heart took a lot of effort, it now seems extremely worthwhile.

The thing I lack most is the ability to do good deeds and earn money through bad deeds.

With this Dao-patterned heart, energy consumption can be greatly reduced. It's just unknown how long this effect can be maintained, and whether it will have any effect on more profound techniques in the Nascent Soul realm.

"Never mind, I'll just lie down for a bit."

As mentioned before, whatever happens tomorrow, nothing will happen today.

Lin Shu threw herself onto the soft bedding, ignoring the fact that the Demon King Yuan Yuan was still beside her, and closed her eyes, intending to have a good sleep.

However, before he could fully relax his limbs...

Then came the sound of hurried footsteps outside the door.

"Little Demon King!" Jinhe knocked gently on the door.

"..."

Lin Shu opened her eyes helplessly, casually waved her arm, and used her spiritual power to open the door.

The feeling when I broke through the body tempering technique was too torturous.

Even if the sky were to fall today, he would never get out of this bed.

"explain."

"Hmm..."

Outside the door, more than ten demon lords crowded in the narrow corridor.

Jinhe raised his palm, revealing a jade slip, and said in a hoarse voice, "Lady Suxin has sent a letter."

As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions on the faces of the group of powerful demons became somewhat complicated.

To the demons of Yongzhou, Su Xin was not only one of the two great demon kings, but also the daughter of Lord Yuan Yuan, whom they respected the most.

However, the events that occurred in Yongzhou this time inevitably caused some dissatisfaction among the demons.

The other party's arrangements were far too hasty, and they have been reluctant to show up.

If it weren't for the appearance of the Little Demon King, at least half of this group would be dead, and it would be a miracle if a third of his demon subjects survived.

The trouble had just ended when the other party's jade slip arrived immediately.

Although it might just be a coincidence, the demons still felt a little uncomfortable.

The demons in Yongzhou were less wary of each other than those in Da Shun, and seemed to have more human touch.

But that doesn't mean they can accept that the little demon king works hard to get things done, and then a real demon king immediately comes and takes over everything.

"Give it to me."

Lin Shu slowly propped herself up, walked to the table, and took the jade slip handed to her by Jinhe.

But now is definitely not the time to rest.

Thinking of this, he gritted his teeth in frustration.

Once I'm done with this, I'm determined to become a mountain king and enjoy myself for a hundred years!