Category: I, The Man Who’ll Conquer Both the Immortal Venerable and the Demon Empress

Chapter 225: The Stone Bone and the Divine Crystal

“Stop it,” the woman said, her face flushed.

Shi Hao felt that since they had already… been intimate, he couldn’t just ignore her.

Over a month had passed since they left Dàxīng City. He should at least offer her some… comfort.

Of course, this place wasn’t exactly private. They could be easily discovered.

So, he lifted her into his arms, carried her into the pavilion, and up the stairs to Yuejiao’s room… It was safer there.

“Yuejiao will be back soon,” Zhuo Mulan said, her voice slightly anxious, pushing his hand away.

“Look outside,” Shi Hao said, turning her around so that her back was to him, her face towards the window overlooking the courtyard.

Zhuo Mulan, unable to resist, could only watch the courtyard while he… attended to her, her body trembling like a leaf in the autumn wind, on the verge of falling.

After a while, she gasped, her voice urgent, pushing against him, “Yuejiao’s back!”

The leaves outside rustled in the wind.

“Master!” Du Yuejiao, standing at the gate, called out, waving.

Zhuo Mulan, forcing a smile, adjusted her robe, her body shielding Shi Hao.

She couldn’t move too much, her heart pounding, worried that Yuejiao might enter before they were… finished.

Just then, a gust of wind blew, and a tile fell from the roof. Du Yuejiao entered the courtyard and headed towards the pavilion. Shi Hao quickly got dressed and slipped into Zhuo Mulan’s room.

As he sensed Du Yuejiao ascending the stairs, he quietly climbed out the window.

Zhuo Mulan also quickly adjusted her clothes and went to greet her disciple.

“Master!” Du Yuejiao hugged Zhuo Mulan, nuzzling her affectionately.

Having left home at a young age to join the Chongxian Sect, her mother long dead, her master was the closest thing she had to a mother.

“Did you just wake up, Master?” she asked, noticing her master’s disheveled appearance.

It’s your lover’s fault, Zhuo Mulan thought, but she simply made a noncommittal sound.

They entered the room and were chatting quietly when a young man’s voice called out from the courtyard, “Hello? Is anyone there?”

Du Yuejiao went to the window, opened it, and exclaimed, “Brother Shi! What are you doing here?”

Shi Hao, standing at the gate, looked up at her, smiling, “You didn’t come to the manor. I was worried.”

Du Yuejiao said, “I just returned from Spirit Jade Cliff. I got the Illusory Sea Lingzhi.”

They went downstairs. Shi Hao bowed to Zhuo Mulan, “Greetings, Recluse.”

Zhuo Mulan, holding her horsetail whisk, smiled, “Welcome. Yuejiao will take care of you.” She returned to her room, closing the door behind her, and quickly adjusted her undergarments.

Seeing her master leave, Du Yuejiao led Shi Hao upstairs to her room, closing the door behind them.

“Look, Brother Shi!” she opened a jade box, revealing a dark blue lingzhi mushroom, shimmering with a watery light.

“Thank you,” Shi Hao said, pulling her close, his arm around her waist.

She nestled against his chest, a happy sigh escaping her lips.

They whispered sweet nothings, then Du Yuejiao, after checking that her master’s door was still closed, went downstairs to get some pastries.

As darkness fell, Shi Hao said, “I should be going.”

Du Yuejiao hesitated, then took his hand, and they went to Zhuo Mulan’s door. “Master,” she called out, “Brother Shi is leaving. I’m going to see him off.”

Zhuo Mulan’s voice came from within, “Alright, but come back soon.”

Du Yuejiao and Shi Hao left the pavilion. Instead of going down the mountain, however, Du Yuejiao led him on a detour, then, returning to the courtyard, she told him to wait outside her window while she went inside.

Zhuo Mulan came out, “Has he left?”

“Yes,” Du Yuejiao replied.

Zhuo Mulan nodded, not questioning her.

They chatted for a while, then Du Yuejiao returned to her room, closing the door. She went to the window and opened it.

Moments later, Shi Hao climbed in. She extinguished the candle, and they embraced, falling onto the bed.

“Be quiet,” she whispered, “We don’t want Master to hear. It wouldn’t be good if she knew you were here.”

And so, the young man who had been with her master earlier that evening was now with her.

As dawn approached, Shi Hao whispered, “I’m going to see a crafting master, and then I’ll be heading to the East Sea, looking for Dream Grass.”

Du Yuejiao whispered, “I just returned. I want to spend some time with Master. I’ll join you after you see the crafting master.”

They embraced again, and then Shi Hao, dressed and carrying the Illusory Sea Lingzhi, slipped out the window.

She waved goodbye from the window, clutching the blanket to her chest.

He waved back and then hurried away.

Leaving the city, he returned to the manor, requested an Yingzhao, and flew towards his destination.

After a day of travel, he reached the circular valley, with its sword pavilion, furnace, and kiln.

“Master?” he called out.

Daoist Tie Yu emerged from the sword pavilion, “It’s you, kid. What do you want?”

Shi Hao said, “Master, I’d like you to take a look at this. Can it still be used?” He handed him the bone fragment.

Daoist Tie Yu took the bone and, looking at the purple crystal within, said, his voice filled with surprise, “Is that the Thunder Venerable? What happened to it?”

Shi Hao explained how the Poisonous Sunflower Sect had created the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, how the Shen Ting Sect had placed the Thunder Venerable within it, and how, after its destruction, only this bone remained.

Daoist Tie Yu examined it carefully, then said, “You want me to forge it into a magical weapon? It might be possible.”

Shi Hao’s eyes lit up, “You can do it?”

Daoist Tie Yu chuckled, “Who do you think I am? Although it won’t be easy, it’s not impossible. But I never work for free.”

Shi Hao, remembering how Xu Xiaoyan had “borrowed” a sword from him and never returned it, smiled, “Name your price.”

Daoist Tie Yu said, “Two thousand taels of silver. Come back in a month.”

Shi Hao readily agreed, “Deal.” For a supreme-grade magical weapon, it was a bargain.

Although he couldn’t afford it himself, he could ask the Evil Lotus Sect to pay. After all, a supreme-grade weapon would be a valuable asset for the sect.

He left the bone fragment with Daoist Tie Yu, then, after a moment of thought, asked, “Did Xiao Yan pass by here after leaving the Ba Mountains?”

Daoist Tie Yu looked at him, “You know where she went?”

Shi Hao said, “She went to the East Sea to look for her sister.”

Daoist Tie Yu sighed, “That girl…” He didn’t elaborate.

Shi Hao bid him farewell, mounted his Yingzhao, and returned to the stone town outside Dàxīng City. In the evening, Hou Bomin and Xiang Gu, who had attended the Red Hill Gathering, joined him.

They sat in a corner of the inn’s dining room, eating and talking.

Hou Bomin, the Monkey Thief, said, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to go to the East Sea with you.”

Shi Hao asked, surprised, “Why?”

Hou Bomin said, “Two old friends asked for my help. They want me to go to Xuzhou with them. It seems important, and they’re old friends. Although I don’t know what it’s about, I have to help them.”

In the jianghu, relationships and connections were important. Being asked for assistance was common. Shi Hao understood.

Hou Bomin lowered his voice, “They’re both Daoist cultivators, specializing in feng shui and divination. I used to work with them, tomb raiding and such. They likely need my help with something similar.”

“Tomb raiding” was a euphemism for grave robbing.

And Xuzhou was along the route of the Grand Canal project.

Shi Hao asked, “Who should I contact in the East Sea to find Xiao Yan?”

Hou Bomin said, “Near the Qiantang River, in Haiyan County, there’s a mountain with three peaks. There’s a Daoist temple halfway up the mountain, dedicated to Wang E, the ‘Heavenly Great Spiritual Officer.’ An old Daoist priest named Zhong lives there. Tell him I sent you.”

Shi Hao whispered, “Thank you.” He then looked at Xiang Gu.

Xiang Gu, however, avoided his gaze, her head swaying from side to side.

Shi Hao smiled, “Do you have anywhere you need to go, Miss Xiang Gu?”

Xiang Gu seemed to be thinking hard, “Well…”

Shi Hao said, “If you’re not busy, why not come with us to the Qiantang River? It’s a beautiful place, downstream from here. We can travel by boat.”

Xiang Gu hesitated.

Shi Hao said, “It’s settled then!” He finished his meal quickly, paid the bill, grabbed Xiang Gu’s hand, and said to Hou Bomin, “We’ll be going now.”

Xiang Gu protested, “Wait a minute! I didn’t say I wanted to go… wait!” But Shi Hao dragged her away.

Hou Bomin chuckled, “That kid is learning from that Xiao Yan girl.” After a while, he also got up and left, heading south.

Chapter 224: Xiang Gu’s Secret

Hou Bomin looked at him, surprised, “Xiao Yan wouldn’t tell you about her sister. How did you know?”

He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face, then glanced at Shi Hao, “Her mother was a demonic cultivator…”

Shi Hao said, “I won’t hide it from you. I do have connections to the demonic sects, but also to the Taisu Immortal Pavilion. I learned about Xiao Yan’s sister from a demonic source.”

Hou Bomin, a seasoned wanderer in the jianghu, had already suspected Sha Lingshan and her companions’ connection to the demonic sects.

However, Shi Hao, during their time in the Ba Mountains, had only used Daoist techniques, and after leaving Changbai Mountain, his Daoist and demonic energies had merged, becoming something else.

Hearing this, Hou Bomin simply assumed that, like Xu Xiaoyan, Shi Hao’s unusual background stemmed from his family’s connections to both the Daoist and demonic sects.

He sighed, “Since you know about her sister, I’ll tell you. Someone saw a girl who looks exactly like Xiao Yan in the East Sea. She believes it’s her sister, so she’s gone there…”

He recounted the story, and Shi Hao, after pacing back and forth, suddenly asked, “Have you ever heard of a place called the Penglai Mirage Pavilion?”

Xiang Gu’s eyes widened, “Penglai Mirage Pavilion?”

Hou Bomin, however, said, “I’ve never heard of it. I’ve traveled extensively, but I’ve never encountered such a place.”

Shi Hao said, “It’s a secretive sect in the East Sea, even more elusive than the Taisu Immortal Pavilion.” He looked at Xiang Gu.

Her reaction indicated she knew about it.

Xiang Gu sighed, a rare display of something akin to fear, “Why would you mention that place?”

Shi Hao said, “Because it seems… Xiao Yan’s sister’s disappearance might be connected to them.”

Xiang Gu shook her head, “That’s impossible. The Holy Pavilion is completely closed off, isolated from the outside world. They’re extremely xenophobic. Outsiders who trespass on their territory rarely survive.”

Shi Hao noted her words carefully, “Did you say ‘Mirage Pavilion’ or ‘Holy Pavilion’?”

Xiang Gu said softly, her voice almost a whisper, “Don’t ask. I don’t know. And I don’t want to go back there.”

Shi Hao and Hou Bomin exchanged glances.

They were both curious about Xiang Gu’s background. Her martial arts were clearly unorthodox, her style unlike any they recognized, and she also seemed skilled in Gu techniques.

She was a sixth-rank expert, but they had never heard of her before.

Of course, many in the jianghu had secrets, including Shi Hao himself, so they hadn’t pried.

But now, with Xu Xiaoyan’s sister possibly connected to this Penglai Mirage Pavilion, and Xiang Gu’s words, “I don’t want to go back there,” their curiosity was piqued.

Shi Hao asked, “Are you from the Penglai Mirage Pavilion, Miss Xiang Gu?”

Xiang Gu looked up, a faraway look in her eyes, “Yes, I left a long time ago. Someone helped me escape.”

She sighed, “It’s best you don’t know about that place. And don’t go looking for it. If you find it, you’ll die.”

Shi Hao said firmly, “I don’t intend to look for it, but if Xiao Yan is in danger, I have to help her.”

Xiang Gu, after a moment of thought, shook her head, “The Holy Pavilion doesn’t accept outsiders. It doesn’t make sense for Xiao Yan’s sister to be there. You must be mistaken.”

Shi Hao turned to Hou Bomin, “How do I find Xiao Yan once I reach the East Sea?”

Hou Bomin smiled, “I’ll join you after the Red Hill Gathering. We’ll go to the East Sea together.”

They both looked at Xiang Gu, who seemed hesitant, her voice filled with a strange urgency, “Are you really going there? To the Holy Pavilion? Are you sure? That’s a death sentence! Why would you go looking for death? Life is good! Why throw it away? What good is death…?”

They had never heard her speak so much.

Shi Hao said, “Firstly, that girl might not be Xiao Yan’s sister. Secondly, even if she is, she might not be connected to the Penglai Mirage Pavilion. And lastly, even if she is…”

He sighed, “Your words only make me more worried.”

Xiang Gu muttered, “You don’t understand what that place is like. I would never go back there.”

Shi Hao sighed, “In that case, I’ll go to Dàxīng City first. You two go to the Red Hill Gathering. We’ll discuss this later.”

After Hou Bomin and Xiang Gu left, he rejoined Du Yuejiao.

---

Du Yuejiao had returned to the Chongxian Sect’s main temple in Dàxīng City.

Shi Hao, Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady went to the Azure Shu Manor outside the city.

Shortly after arriving, the crafting master Sha Lingshan had summoned also arrived.

Although a woman, she was tall and muscular, dressed in a leather skirt, her right arm bare.

Shi Hao showed her the bone fragment with the divine crystal. She examined it carefully, then said, “I can’t do anything with this, Young Master.

“This bone… it’s white meteorite. And the divine crystal… it’s partially fused with the bone, as if the refining process was interrupted. And for some reason, the meteorite, although not organic, seems to have absorbed the crystal’s energy, like a living body. It’s quite strange.”

Sha Lingshan said, “Although it’s not organic, it was part of the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, Yi Shenzi’s vessel. He was trying to absorb the divine crystal, but he was interrupted before the process was complete.”

“That’s why the crystal is only partially fused. And the Dao Body itself, although human-shaped, was more like a magical artifact. That’s why it’s like this.”

The crafting master said, “I can’t reforge it. It’s broken. The only option is to destroy it.”

Shi Hao said, “If we destroy it, the divine crystal will be lost, won’t it?”

“Yes,” she confirmed.

“Is there no other way?” Shi Hao asked.

The crafting master said, “There might be someone among the unorthodox sects who can fix it. His name is Daoist Tie Yu, a renowned crafting master. If you can find him, he might be able to do something. Unfortunately, he’s a Daoist cultivator. We have no connection to him, and I don’t know where he is.”

Shi Hao thought, Daoist Tie Yu is that skilled?

After dismissing the crafting master, he turned to Sha Lingshan, “I know where to find him. I’ll go and see him.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, smiled, “Should we make some contingency plans, Young Master?”

“Contingency plans?”

“It’s a supreme-grade divine crystal. If he can’t fix it, that’s fine. But if he does… he might just take it and run. We should be prepared.”

Shi Hao, after a moment of thought, shook his head, “It’s fine. The crystal is already damaged. The chances of him fixing it are slim. If he succeeds, that’s a bonus. And Daoist Tie Yu is a friend of Xiao Yan’s. I trust him. Even if he did steal it, it would ruin his reputation. He wouldn’t be able to work as a crafting master again unless he completely disappeared, changed his name, and started over.”

If he truly followed the demonic sects’ methods, he would not only make “contingency plans” but also eliminate anyone who knew about it.

Although it was a supreme-grade divine crystal, it was currently useless. He wasn’t willing to go that far.

It was afternoon, and Yuejiao still hadn’t returned, so he went to Dàxīng City.

The city’s atmosphere was different from his last visit.

Before, it had been filled with chaos, gangs fighting in the streets.

Now, although still crowded with martial artists, there was a sense of order.

Of the original three gangs and six societies, the Shark Dragon Gang, the Ascending Heroes Gang, and the Leopard Gate were gone. The Mystic Virtue Society and the White Sword Society, weakened by their conflict with the Ascending Heroes Gang, had joined the Heaven and Earth Gang, and the Brocade Dragon Gate, more of a merchant guild than a martial arts faction, although influential, wasn’t a major player in the jianghu’s power struggles.

The Heaven and Earth Gang now controlled Dàxīng City.

In the past, neither the barbarian court nor the Chongxian Sect would have tolerated such a concentration of power.

But with the Chongxian Sect weakened by Lu Jin’s death, and the barbarian court preoccupied with the numerous rebellions, as long as the Heaven and Earth Gang didn’t openly rebel, they could maintain their control.

Deng Haihan, the leader of the Heaven and Earth Gang, a cunning old fox, having bided his time, had chosen the perfect moment to strike.

Shi Hao reached the Chongxian Sect’s main temple at the foot of Mount Qian Yuan and began his ascent.

Although a main temple, most of its members had been recalled. There weren’t many more Daoists here than in the branch temples in other prefectures.

It was evening. After informing a young acolyte of his arrival, he was led to a secluded courtyard where Zhuo Mulan, dressed in her Daoist robe, a horsetail whisk in her hand, greeted him.

He followed her into the courtyard and asked softly, “Where’s Yuejiao?”

Zhuo Mulan said, “She went to Spirit Jade Cliff, one of our sect’s medicinal herb farms. She’s visiting her Master Shi, I believe. She should be back soon.”

Hearing that Yuejiao wasn’t there, he pulled Zhuo Mulan close and gently pushed her against a nearby stone table.

The beautiful Daoist nun, her back against the cool stone, her face flushed, whispered, “Yuejiao will be back soon.”

Shi Hao, holding her hands to prevent her from resisting, smiled, “She’s not here now.”

Chapter 223: Darkness, Revenge, and the Beast

Sha Lingshan waved her fan, “Although the demonic sects value only profit, we are still part of China. Dominating the martial world and wielding power benefits us. But the destruction of Wu Gorge and the Long River, causing widespread devastation… that benefits no one, not even us.”

“Even the Poisonous Sunflower Sect, although they seek power and influence, perhaps even hoping to become the state religion, wouldn’t want to cripple China. Such an act would be self-destructive.”

“Of course, if the potential profit is great enough, they might be tempted. But that’s human nature, not just the demonic sects’.”

Shi Hao nodded.

Sha Lingshan asked, “What are your plans now, Young Master?”

Shi Hao thought for a moment, “I need to go to Dàxīng City. And this divine crystal…”

He held up the bone fragment with the crystal embedded within, “I need to see if it can be forged into a magical weapon.”

Sha Lingshan said, “I’ve never seen anything like this before. It seems the Thunder Venerable has partially fused with this… stone bone. It can’t be absorbed by a human.

“We have a skilled crafting master in the Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion. I’ll have her examine it. It’s a supreme-grade divine crystal, after all. It would be a waste not to use it.”

Obtaining a divine crystal presented a difficult choice: forge it into a magical weapon, or absorb it, becoming a supernatural ability user.

Becoming a supernatural ability user meant you could no longer use other magical weapons, a significant disadvantage.

And although you gained a unique power, it was a single ability, easily countered once understood.

Of course, some abilities, like the Heavenly Speed Star or the Perilous Moon Swallow, were incredibly valuable, granting unparalleled speed or the ability to manipulate space.

But most weren’t as useful.

Supreme-grade divine crystals, however, were in a league of their own, their power immense.

Their abilities were often strategic in nature, like the South Pole Longevity, which not only granted immortality but also the ability to control the weather, changing the climate of an entire city.

This “control over the four seasons” was its true power, immortality merely a side effect.

Although its use in duels between high-rank experts was limited, on the battlefield, it could change the tide of war.

The Thunder Venerable was similar, its power capable of leveling a city.

But supreme-grade divine crystals were incredibly rare, and their appearance always sparked fierce competition.

And unlike other divine crystals, which reappeared within a hundred-mile radius after being depleted, supreme-grade crystals didn’t follow this rule.

Having obtained such a rare treasure, it would be a waste not to use it.

Shi Hao said, “After going to Dàxīng City, I’ll likely head east. I heard there’s a Crystal Palace in the East Sea where Dream Grass grows, one of the ingredients I need.”

He could obtain the Illusory Sea Lingzhi through Yuejiao, and he already had the Azure Sky Vermilion Fruit. He just needed the three Dream Grasses.

And Dream Grass only grew in the East Sea Crystal Palace.

Although he wasn’t sure what this “Crystal Palace” was…

Sha Lingshan said, “The East Sea Crystal Palace…” She looked at Long Niu, “Has Branch Leader Yue emerged from seclusion yet?”

Long Niu said, “She reached the fourth rank a few days ago. And we received messages from both the Moon Lotus Pavilion and the Black Lotus Realm, informing us that Branch Leaders Xuan and Yue have also emerged from seclusion. They were inquiring about the Young Master’s whereabouts and his plans for them.”

Sha Lingshan looked at Shi Hao and smiled, “They’re worried I’ve been monopolizing your time, poisoning your mind against them. But Yue Yaotai inquiring about your whereabouts is understandable. Xuan Feng Huanzhi, however, should already know. Why is she so concerned?”

She looked at Long Niu, a knowing smile on her face.

Long Niu, embarrassed, remained silent.

Shi Hao, however, understood the underlying meaning, “Why did you mention Branch Leader Yue, Sister Sha? Does she have some connection to the East Sea Crystal Palace?”

Sha Lingshan bowed slightly, “The Moon Lotus Pavilion’s main temple is located at the foot of Mount Lu, near Poyang Lake. They’re involved in river trade along the lower reaches of the Long River and even have some maritime trade in the East Sea. I’ve heard that Branch Leader Yue has been to the Crystal Palace. If you’re going there, Young Master, perhaps you should visit the Moon Lotus Pavilion first.”

She waved her fan and smiled, “Besides, if you don’t visit her soon, she might come looking for you.”

Shi Hao understood.

Elder Shuiyue of the Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion was now the leader of the reunited Evil Lotus Sect.

And Long Niu of the Black Lotus Realm was in charge of intelligence, gathering information from all three branches and reporting to him and Elder Shuiyue.

Yue Yaotai was naturally worried about being left out.

Although the three factions had reunited, their past rivalries wouldn’t simply disappear overnight.

And as their leader, he had to treat them equally.

He looked at Long Niu, “After I return to Dàxīng City, send a message to Branch Leader Yue, informing her of my impending visit to the Moon Lotus Pavilion.”

Long Niu bowed, “Yes, Young Master.”

They stayed at the monastery for the night, then left for Dàxīng City the next morning, traveling by boat along the river.

---

The Scripture Bestowal Platform, split in two, had collapsed, and the eight levels of caverns beneath it were mostly buried.

Deep within the mountain, the blood-stained jade sword, embedded in a rock above the Melting Sun Demonic Abyss, its churning demonic energy like a hidden ocean, its surface calm, its depths turbulent.

“I can’t die… not here…” a shadowy figure within the abyss struggled.

The trapped soul, its rage and resentment a burning fire, its vengeance unfulfilled… it couldn’t die here.

It thrashed against the demonic energy, an invisible force pulling it towards the depths, towards oblivion.

It felt small and helpless, adrift in a vast, dark ocean.

Then, it saw a pair of eyes.

A massive beast, its eyes like giant lanterns, its back black, its form like a tiger’s, its face human, but twisted and monstrous, its long tail rising upwards.

It was so large that it seemed to devour the surrounding light, the only thing in existence.

“I can’t die… not here…” The shadowy figure, clinging to its existence, its consciousness fading, reached out towards the beast, its desire for revenge, for survival, overwhelming…

Darkness surged, swallowing it whole.

A burning rage, like molten lava, consumed it, rolling through the abyss.

Endless, eternal…

---

Arriving at the outskirts of Dàxīng City, Shi Hao had Sha Lingshan withdraw two thousand taels of silver and give it to Hou Bomin and Xiang Gu.

Little Demonic Mother had promised to pay them, but she was dead, and they hadn’t been able to obtain the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl.

He couldn’t let them go empty-handed, so he paid them himself, on her behalf.

Hou Bomin and Xiang Gu decided to attend the upcoming Red Hill Gathering.

Shi Hao considered this. He already had two of the three main ingredients he needed for his next breakthrough, and the Red Hill Gathering wasn’t the place to find Dream Grass. He wouldn’t attend.

Before they left, however, he pulled them aside and shared his analysis of the current situation.

“With the Taisu Immortal Pavilion’s reappearance, their conflict with the barbarian court, and especially Lie Zunyi, will be the main focus,” he said. “Lie Zunyi’s departure from the capital is a significant event. The Taisu Immortal Pavilion needs to unite the righteous path to oppose him.”

“The attendees of the Red Hill Gathering are all Daoist cultivators. I suspect many of them are being recruited.”

Hou Bomin, his back hunched, said, “If that’s the case, many of my… associates, are probably already with the Taisu Immortal Pavilion.”

Shi Hao knew that Hou Bomin and his “unorthodox” circle of Daoist cultivators, including Xu Xiaoyan, had their own network of connections.

The Red Hill Gathering was simply a local meeting place for trading immortal ingredients. There were likely similar gatherings elsewhere.

Shi Hao said, “Lie Zunyi’s motive for leaving the capital is crucial. I’ll investigate this thoroughly. I hope you can gather some information at the Red Hill Gathering, or through your own contacts. If we can understand the barbarian court’s plans, we can be prepared.”

Hou Bomin nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my ears open.”

Shi Hao looked at him, “And one more thing… where did Xiaoyan go?”

Hou Bomin sighed, glancing at him, “She didn’t want to tell you, so I can’t reveal her secrets.”

Shi Hao said, “Even if you don’t tell me, I can guess… it’s about her sister, isn’t it?”

Chapter 222: The Thunder Venerable Divine Crystal

The girl in the colorful dress, sword at her waist, gave a cold glance at the two departing figures and snorted.

She turned, entered her room, closed and locked the door, and climbed onto her bed.

Shi Hao was asleep.

She took off her outer robe, hung her sword by the bedside, slipped under the covers, and, lying on her side, looked at his sleeping face.

All those women… they were all after him.

She had to protect him.

His face, in sleep, was relaxed and handsome.

She snuggled closer, her body nestled against his.

He stirred in his sleep, his arm instinctively reaching out, pulling her closer.

She felt a sense of warmth and security.

Every night, she had been plagued by nightmares.

A voice, whispering in her mind, telling her that men were not to be trusted, that no matter how deeply she loved, how much she gave, she would eventually be abandoned.

The voice, repeating the same words over and over, sometimes sounded like the old woman, sometimes like something otherworldly.

She refused to believe it, but a deep-seated fear lingered.

*Brother Shi won’t abandon me,* she thought, hugging him tightly.

But she couldn’t sleep, afraid that when she woke up, he would be gone.

—

Shi Hao slept for several hours, the exhaustion from his recent battles finally fading.

He looked down at the girl in his arms, her beautiful face turned upwards, her gaze fixed on him, and asked softly, “What is it?”

She shook her head, snuggling closer.

The faint, golden light of dusk filtered through the gauze curtains.

He had slept through the entire day.

Having some free time now, he… *spent some quality time* with her, exploring new and interesting *techniques*.

He had a strange feeling that the more he “bullied” her, the more secure she felt.

Little Emerald, watching from the table, her presence hidden, was, once again, stunned into silence.

—

By the time their *activities* concluded, it was already dark.

Leaving the girl, now sleeping peacefully, to rest, he went outside and, learning that Long Niu had arrived, had Sha Lingshan bring her to him.

Candlelight flickered in the side hall of the Monastery of Coalescing Truth.

Outside, the full moon, bright and luminous, hung in the sky, its silvery light bathing the earth.

“Young Master!” Long Niu, dressed in a simple red robe, her small figure bowing before him.

Shi Hao knew that she, from the Black Lotus Realm, was more accustomed to formality and tradition than those from the Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion.

The Black Lotus Realm, in particular, had many rules and customs, which had clearly influenced her.

The Mirror Flower Water Moon Pavilion, under Sha Lingshan’s leadership, however, had a more relaxed and informal atmosphere.

“You may rise,” Shi Hao said, his voice gentle, but his demeanor maintaining a certain authority.

Long Niu stood up, her hands clasped respectfully, and reported that Lie Zunyi, the Supreme Emperor, had left the capital, his itinerary following the route of the Grand Canal.

After uniting the three factions, Shi Hao had instructed them to monitor the canal project.

He had also informed Dark Thunder, but with their disbandment, he wasn’t sure if the Sword King had passed on the information before his death.

He pondered for a moment, then asked, “Has there been any news about Yun Caiyao of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion since her appearance in Dàxīng City?”

Long Niu shook her head, “There are rumors, but nothing concrete. However, many of the ‘unorthodox’ Daoist sects seem to be uniting, forming a new faction opposed to the Chongxian Sect and the barbarian court.”

Sha Lingshan, waving her fan, said, “Many Daoist sects, refusing to acknowledge the Chongxian Sect’s authority, have been labeled as ‘unorthodox’ by the barbarian court. But in the eyes of the common people, they are the true ‘righteous path.’

“However, they’ve always been fragmented and disorganized, without a leader, often forced into hiding, much like us, the demonic sects. If someone could unite them, they would be a formidable force.

“But uniting the righteous path isn’t easy. Only an immortal of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion could achieve that.”

Shi Hao nodded slowly. The demonic sects, feared and despised for centuries, had managed to survive.

The “righteous path,” although suppressed by the Chongxian Sect and the Six Gates for three hundred years, still had many sympathizers. Although scattered and disorganized, they were a potential force to be reckoned with.

If he were Yun Caiyao, his first priority would be uniting them.

Firstly, these Daoist sects had been prominent and respected before the barbarian conquest, labeled as “unorthodox” simply for refusing to collaborate.

But in the eyes of the martial world, they were the true righteous path.

Many of them were staunchly opposed to the barbarian court, forming the core of the Sword King’s Dark Thunder organization.

And secondly, these sects had a history of cooperation with the Taisu Immortal Pavilion, their loyalty unwavering.

The reappearance of a Taisu Immortal Pavilion descendant would inspire them greatly.

Sha Lingshan continued, “But the Chongxian Sect won’t tolerate this. They’ll do everything in their power to suppress them, to eliminate Yun Caiyao. A conflict between them is inevitable.”

Shi Hao said, “As long as Lie Zunyi lives, the barbarian court won’t fall. The Taisu Immortal Pavilion’s long silence suggests they haven’t been able to produce a true high-rank expert capable of defeating him. Yun Caiyao’s appearance now suggests she believes Lie Zunyi is finally vulnerable.”

“But the world is vast and full of wonders. There are countless secret techniques. The barbarians, knowing that without their Supreme Emperor, their rule will collapse, will undoubtedly use every means to prolong his life.”

Long Niu said, “The Ancestral Altar has been searching for the ‘South Pole Longevity,’ a supreme-grade divine crystal. It’s rumored that Ming Yueshu, the Divine Infant, maintains her youthful appearance because of it.

“They must be hoping to use it to extend the Supreme Emperor’s life.”

Shi Hao looked at Long Niu, “Keep an eye on the barbarian court and the Ancestral Altar. As for the Taisu Immortal Pavilion and the righteous path, they’re not our enemies, at least not in our shared goal of overthrowing the barbarians.

“We should even try to establish contact with them, exchange information. Although the Sword King is dead, I suspect he informed the Taisu Immortal Pavilion about the Grand Canal project before his death. They must be investigating it.”

Sha Lingshan asked, surprised, “Zhao Gucheng is dead?”

Shi Hao nodded, “Yes, I was with him when he died. It seems the news hasn’t spread yet.”

With the Sword King’s prominence in the martial world, his death would be a major event.

The fact that they didn’t know about it meant Xue Qingfeng, the Sword Demon, hadn’t revealed their final duel.

Years ago, Xue Qingfeng had been publicly defeated by the Sword King, his status in the martial world forever diminished.

But in their final duel, he had won, yet he hadn’t revealed it.

He didn’t care about fame or recognition, only about his own mastery of the sword.

That victory hadn’t brought him any joy, only a sense of regret.

Zhao Gucheng, in his final years, preoccupied with “worldly affairs,” had neglected his swordsmanship.

But without the Sword King, there would be no Dark Thunder, no Changbai Mountain rebellion, and no current unrest.

Although defeated in their duel, his spirit, his legacy, lived on.

In his final moments, it wasn’t his defeat that he regretted, but not seeing the restoration of China.

“Keep his death a secret for now. Just between us.” Shi Hao took something from his robe, “By the way, look at this.”

Sha Lingshan and Long Niu looked. It was the bone fragment with the purple divine crystal embedded within.

Although small, the diamond-shaped crystal seemed to contain a world within, lightning flashing.

Sha Lingshan said, her voice filled with awe, “That must be the Thunder Venerable divine crystal. And that bone… it doesn’t look like a human bone, but some kind of crystallized stone. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Shi Hao said, “It’s a remnant of Yi Shenzi’s Primordial Yellow Dao Body.”

He turned, “Little Emerald.”

The Emerald Beauty materialized behind him.

“Do you know what this is?” Shi Hao asked.

Little Emerald shook her head, “I’ve never seen anything like it. The Primordial Yellow Dao Body was created by the Poisonous Sunflower Sect. Perhaps they know.”

Sha Lingshan chuckled, “The Poisonous Sunflower Sect suffered heavy losses in that battle. They’ll be hiding for a while, recovering their strength. Although Xiong Wanghu of the Danyang Society is connected to them, he won’t admit it. There’s no point in asking him.”

Shi Hao sighed, “I’ve never liked the Poisonous Sunflower Sect, but those two elders… they surprised me. Although they were after the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl and the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, they also fought to protect Wu Gorge, risking their lives.”

 

Chapter 221: A Matter of Grave Importance

Shi Hao landed on the ground and severed the connections forged by the Wedding Dress Divine Art.

He hadn’t felt anything during the connection, but now, with the link broken, a searing pain shot through his body, his legs almost giving way.

Although the two women in the Primordial Grotto Heaven had lent him their power, his own foundation wasn’t strong enough to handle such a massive influx of energy. The strain on his body was immense.

Now, without their support, he could barely stand.

If he had maintained the connection any longer, he would have collapsed.

“Brother Shi!” Du Yuejiao rushed over and caught him, her arm supporting him.

The others also arrived, their faces grim as they surveyed the devastation around them.

Not only was the Scripture Bestowal Platform completely destroyed, but even Flying Phoenix Peak was scarred and broken.

Sha Lingshan said, “Let’s rejoin the mountain ghosts.”

Plum Blossom Lady also helped support Shi Hao as they walked away.

---

A woman, her body huddled beneath a pile of rubble, waited until the tremors subsided and silence returned.

She crawled out, her eyes wide with shock and confusion as she looked around.

It was Li Lian, General Shui Lei.

She had been rescued by Sha Lingshan during the battle below, her body already covered in wounds.

She had been surrounded by corpses, the battle still raging in the abyss.

Unwilling, and unable, to fight any longer, she had escaped, fleeing to the surface.

She had hidden here, terrified and alone, as the earth shook and the mountains trembled, unsure of what was happening.

The bestial roars and the earth-shattering explosions had made her think the world was ending.

Stone peaks had collapsed around her, the ground splitting open. Two fallen peaks had formed a small, protected space where she had huddled, miraculously surviving.

Now, she stood alone amidst the devastation, a landscape scarred and broken, as if plowed by the gods themselves.

She didn’t know what had happened.

She walked towards the river and saw Goddess Peak on the opposite bank.

The battle was over, but the Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge still stood.

This meant their leader hadn’t returned, the Shen Ting Sect’s plan had failed.

She fell to her knees by the riverbank, her arms wrapped around herself, and sobbed uncontrollably.

She didn’t know why she was crying. Was it relief that the surrounding villages had been spared, or grief for the Shen Ting Sect, destroyed by her betrayal?

Why was she still alive, when everyone else was dead?

The full moon, bright and luminous, hung in the sky, its light casting an ethereal glow over the landscape.

Having lived in the mist-shrouded Wu Gorge all her life, she had never seen the moon so clearly.

The moonlight, like a silver veil, covered the shimmering river and the distant Goddess Peak, the goddess statue on its summit a serene and beautiful figure.

As if encouraged by the goddess’s gaze, she stood up, wiped away her tears, and walked along the riverbank, her injured body aching, her steps slow and unsteady.

She didn’t know where she was going, or where she could go.

She had no home, no place to belong.

She couldn’t return to the Shen Ting Sect, a traitor, her name forgotten, her sacrifice meaningless.

Alone, under the moonlight, she walked, her destination unknown.

But she was alive… and she would keep walking.

---

Shi Hao and the others rejoined the mountain ghosts, who had hidden deeper within the caverns.

“It’s over,” Sha Lingshan told them, “Those Daoists are dead. They won’t be causing any more trouble.”

The mountain ghosts’ home had been partially destroyed.

The surrounding forests were gone, and their lives would be difficult now.

But the white-bearded old man, leading them, still expressed his sincere gratitude.

“As long as the spiritual energy remains, this land will recover,” he said, “It will be difficult, but as long as we’re alive, there’s hope. This forest will be green again. Thank you.”

Sha Lingshan waved her fan and smiled, “Don’t mention it. We were just passing through.”

They didn’t linger and soon left, returning to the Monastery of Coalescing Truth at the foot of Ascending Dragon Peak.

It was daylight now.

Shi Hao, exhausted, had the abbot arrange a room for him, and after eating something, he fell asleep.

Hou Bomin and Xiang Gu, unaware of Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady’s true identities, had heard them address Shi Hao as “Young Master.”

And having witnessed his incredible display of power last night, his ascent under the full moon, his effortless defeat of Yi Shenzi, they knew he was no ordinary person.

And this nunnery, its inhabitants not questioning their presence, the woman named Sha even giving orders to the abbot… it was clearly more than just a simple temple.

But they didn’t pry. Everyone in the jianghu had their secrets.

Exhausted from the battle, they all retired to their rooms to rest.

After Sha Lingshan had washed up, Yuan Rong, the abbot, approached her and bowed, “Branch Leader, Long Niu(Dragon Girl) is here.”

T/N: *I will use Long Niu instead of Dragon Girl*

Sha Lingshan, slightly surprised, thought that Long Niu, being in charge of the Evil Lotus Sect’s intelligence network, must have something important to report.

She said, “Bring her in.”

Yuan Rong escorted Long Niu to the room and then left.

“Branch Leader Sha,” Long Niu asked, “is the Young Master here?”

Sha Lingshan said, “He exhausted himself last night, fighting near the Scripture Bestowal Platform. He’s resting now. Should I wake him?”

Long Niu said, “There’s no rush. I can wait.”

Sha Lingshan asked, “Your sudden arrival suggests something important has happened.”

Long Niu lowered her voice, “Lie Zunyi, the Supreme Emperor, has left the capital.”

Sha Lingshan’s expression changed, “Are you certain?”

Long Niu said, “It happened yesterday. Our informants sent the news immediately, using our sect’s secret communication method. This news will spread quickly.”

Sha Lingshan frowned, “Lie Zunyi hasn’t been seen in public for over a decade. His last appearance was eight years ago, when he injured Zhao Gucheng, the ‘Sword King,’ during his assassination attempt on the emperor.

“He’s over three hundred years old. After so many years in seclusion, everyone assumed he was… incapacitated. Why would he suddenly reappear, and why leave the capital?”

Long Niu said, “The official announcement claims he’s touring the country to… inspire the people and demonstrate the court’s authority, due to the recent unrest. But it can’t be that simple. Although he defeated Zhao Gucheng, it was Zhao Gucheng who attacked the emperor, and despite being severely injured, he still escaped.

“Although everyone was awed by Lie Zunyi’s power, defeating a high-rank expert like the Sword King, many wondered why he didn’t pursue him. For an assassin to attack the emperor in the capital and then escape… it was a humiliation for the barbarian court.”

Sha Lingshan sighed softly, “That’s why the resistance against the barbarian court has been growing stronger. But if Lie Zunyi is still capable of traveling, of asserting his authority, it will demoralize the rebels.”

Long Niu said, “And there’s one more thing. Our informants in the capital have learned that his itinerary includes Cangzhou, Dezhou, Handan, and Xuzhou. This is the same route as the Grand Canal project. The Young Master asked us to investigate the canal project, to see if there’s something more to it than meets the eye.

“I’m not sure what it means, so I came here to report it to the Young Master.”

Sha Lingshan, placing her fan on her chest, paused, a thoughtful expression on her face.

This was indeed an important matter, and she should inform the Young Master as soon as possible.

But he was clearly exhausted. Although important, it could wait a few hours.

She hesitated, unsure whether to wake him or not.

She said, “Let’s go to his room. If he’s still asleep, we won’t disturb him. If he’s awake, we’ll tell him.”

She and Long Niu left the west wing and headed towards the back garden. Along the way, they encountered Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady.

The two, having just bathed, their hair loose, their skin slightly damp, their faces flushed, looked quite lovely.

Sha Lingshan waved her fan and chuckled, “Why aren’t you two resting? What are you doing here?”

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, their faces reddening, stammered, “Miss…” They looked embarrassed.

“I asked you a question,” Sha Lingshan said.

“Well…” Plum Blossom Lady hesitated.

Peach Blossom Lady mumbled, “We… we were just checking if the Young Master needed anything.”

Sha Lingshan couldn’t help but laugh, “What do you think he needs? Company in bed?”

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, flustered, said, “Of course not, Miss. We’ll… we’ll go and rest now,” and hurried away.

Sha Lingshan, looking at their retreating figures, sighed, shaking her head.

Long Niu, looking at her, puzzled, asked, “What happened?”

Sha Lingshan chuckled, “Last night, when they were about to be killed, the Young Master risked his life to save them. Those two, being from the demonic sects, have probably never been treated so kindly by a man before. Now that they have some free time, their feelings are getting the better of them.”

“It seems they were rejected, or perhaps… dismissed.”

As they continued walking, they saw a young woman, a sword at her waist, standing outside Shi Hao’s room, looking at them coldly.

Sha Lingshan quickly turned and pulled Long Niu away, “It’s not that urgent. We can wait until he wakes up.”

Chapter 220: Wu Gorge Extermination

The surrounding rocks and earth shattered from the force of their collision.

A crater formed where their energies met, dust and debris swirling outwards.

Sha Lingshan, shielding her face with her sleeve, watched the battle.

Like two meteors colliding, one was thrown back with a resounding boom.

Yi Shenzi’s body smashed through several rocks, a large chunk of a stone peak breaking off as he continued flying backwards.

The top of the peak, weakened by the impact, swayed precariously, then crashed to the ground, the earth trembling.

Sha Lingshan stared, stunned.

A bestial roar echoed from behind the fallen peak.

A dark, malevolent aura rose into the sky, obscuring the moonlight, plunging the world into darkness. Then, with another crash, the peak crumbled, and Yi Shenzi, emerging from the debris, charged towards Shi Hao, his power surging, the dark aura around him swirling like a monstrous beast.

He was even stronger now.

They clashed, a whirlwind of fists and feet, their bodies colliding.

Du Yuejiao, Plum Blossom Lady, Peach Blossom Lady, Hou Bomin, and Xiang Gu emerged from the passage, their eyes wide as they watched the fight.

It was a brutal display of raw power, the force of their blows sending shockwaves through the cavern, forcing the others to retreat.

Their figures blurred, stone peaks collapsing around them, and incredibly, Yi Shenzi, who had seemed so dominant before, was now on the defensive.

“What’s happening?” Peach Blossom Lady whispered, voicing everyone’s thoughts.

With a powerful blow, Shi Hao sent Yi Shenzi flying upwards, then, leaping into the air, he struck him again with his elbow, sending him crashing down.

Yi Shenzi smashed through the ground, landing in a deep crater.

The moonlight returned, illuminating the ravaged landscape of Wu Gorge, its scars and cracks softened by the silvery glow.

Shi Hao landed gracefully, his movements fluid and effortless.

“Is he using some kind of… self-destructive technique?” Plum Blossom Lady asked, her voice filled with concern.

Du Yuejiao’s face paled. Although from a Daoist sect, she knew the Demonic Dissolution Technique was a forbidden art, a desperate measure that burned the user’s soul for a temporary boost in power, a sacrifice of life for strength.

Sha Lingshan, however, shook her head, “If he were using the Demonic Dissolution Technique, his body would be showing signs of… disintegration. And it only grants a temporary boost of one rank, not this much.”

They watched as Yi Shenzi emerged from the crater, the dark aura around him receding.

Shi Hao attacked again, a flurry of punches sending Yi Shenzi flying, rocks shattering, peaks crumbling, his strength seemingly beyond even the mid-ranks, approaching the high ranks.

Sha Lingshan knew the Evil Lotus Sect didn’t have a Demonic Dissolution Technique.

Although the technique was well-known, few practiced it. And for the pragmatic demonic sects, such a suicidal technique was useless.

But the young master’s sudden increase in power was undeniable.

She wondered, Could it be the Wedding Dress Divine Art? But if so, someone must be lending him their power. And to boost him to this level, how powerful must that person be?

Remembering how he and the Emerald Beauty had vanished momentarily earlier, she had a suspicion.

“Don’t get cocky!” Yi Shenzi roared, drawing upon the dark energy from the abyss, his power surging.

He had been resisting the ancient beast’s influence, but now, desperate, he abandoned all restraint.

His eyes glowed red, his face contorted, a bestial snarl escaping his lips as he surrendered to the beast’s power.

He leaped into the air, then swooped down, his attack like a thunderbolt, lightning crackling around him, the moonlight fading – the power of the Thunder Venerable, a supreme-grade divine crystal, now unleashed.

Shi Hao, standing on a rock, looked up at the swirling thunderclouds, the flashing lightning, Yi Shenzi descending upon him.

Although he had been able to repel Yi Shenzi’s attacks earlier, a powerful aura had protected him, preventing Shi Hao from landing a decisive blow.

Despite his advantage in skill and speed, he couldn’t truly injure him.

Seeing Yi Shenzi unleash the power of the divine crystal, Shi Hao punched, creating a swirling vortex of energy a few feet away.

The descending thunderbolt was drawn into the vortex.

Even Yi Shenzi, with his enhanced power, couldn’t escape its pull.

He roared, unleashing another blast of lightning, but the vortex pulled him off course, his attack missing Shi Hao.

The lightning struck the ground, the earth cracking.

Shi Hao attacked from above, a flurry of punches raining down on Yi Shenzi, each blow carrying the force of a thunderbolt, forcing him back.

With another powerful strike, Yi Shenzi was sent tumbling, landing some distance away.

He roared, pushing himself up with one hand, his aura monstrous, the dark energy from the abyss swirling around him, flowing into his body.

He looked up, but the young man was gone.

Shi Hao appeared above him, his elbow striking his back with bone-jarring force.

Yi Shenzi crashed to the ground, the earth shattering around him.

His protective aura broken, Shi Hao drew his sword and thrust downwards.

Yi Shenzi rolled aside, narrowly avoiding the blow, and then, with a wave of his hand, sent a shower of rocks and earth towards Shi Hao.

Shi Hao burst through the debris, flipped in mid-air, and landed on Yi Shenzi’s chest with both feet.

Yi Shenzi’s body was thrown back, crashing into the cliff face on the other side of the cavern, creating a large, circular crater.

With a roar, he leaped back, his movements now more bestial than human, and clashed with Shi Hao again, their battle a whirlwind of motion.

Yi Shenzi, his body crackling with electricity, his attacks growing more and more frenzied, seemed to be merging with the beast within him.

Lightning flashed across the sky, striking the ground, the bolts of electricity like writhing serpents.

Sha Lingshan, Du Yuejiao, and the others watched from a distance, the two figures, Shi Hao and Yi Shenzi, a blur of motion amidst the lightning and swirling energy.

Explosions echoed, vortexes of force appeared and vanished, and the very space around them seemed to warp and distort, then crumble.

Suddenly, they separated. Yi Shenzi, his arms raised, roared, and the swirling thunderclouds above converged, their energy drawn towards him, while a dark aura, like the opening of hell’s gate, swirled around his feet.

Shi Hao retreated, his hands outstretched, two distinct auras emanating from him, one fiery hot, the other icy cold, as if he had divided the world in two.

Yi Shenzi, gathering the power of the thunderclouds, unleashed a devastating attack, a torrent of lightning and demonic energy, towards Shi Hao.

Shi Hao clasped his hands together, his ice and fire energies merging, forming a swirling galaxy of light.

Their powers collided, the impact shaking the very foundations of Wu Gorge, the Twelve Peaks trembling.

The others, watching from a distance, shielded their eyes from the blinding light and the swirling dust, their ears filled with the roar of the storm and a desperate, bestial cry.

When the dust settled, they saw a jade sword protruding from Yi Shenzi’s chest.

A black mist, like smoke, poured from his body, flowing downwards, towards the abyss.

His body, crashing through the layers of rock and earth, fell into the darkness.

Shi Hao descended, grabbing the jade sword, its blood-red runes flickering. With a final explosion, Yi Shenzi’s body disintegrated.

Shi Hao, sighing in relief, pulled out the sword.

For a moment, he saw the phoenix again, perched on the mountain peak, its gaze fixed on him.

He looked down at the scattered remains of the Primordial Yellow Dao Body.

A faint light flickered among the debris.

He used his sword to move the pieces aside and saw a white bone with a diamond-shaped crystal embedded within.

He tore a piece of cloth from his sleeve, carefully picked up the bone, and examined it closely.

It wasn’t a human bone, but something… artificial, like carved stone, the crystal within it a divine crystal, its shape distorted, like a partially melted candy, yet fused seamlessly with the bone.

The crystal was purple, and within it, lightning crackled in a vast, empty space.

He tucked it into his belt, then, holding the blood-stained jade sword, followed the dark aura as it flowed towards the abyss, its movements like a struggling beast, its silent roar echoing through the cavern.

It swirled and then disappeared into the depths of the Melting Sun Demonic Abyss.

Shi Hao exhaled and, with a series of palm strikes, sent boulders crashing down, sealing the abyss.

Then, following Su Mei’s instructions, he embedded the jade sword, infused with phoenix blood, into a large rock above the abyss.

The churning demonic energy below gradually subsided.

Shi Hao, leaping upwards, continued his assault on the cavern, his palm strikes shattering the remaining structures, collapsing the tunnels and passages.

He struck the cliff face, and with a groan, the rock warped and cracked, large chunks falling.

As he ascended, the falling rocks sealed the passage behind him.

More and more debris rained down, burying the cavern.

Under the watchful eyes of Sha Lingshan and the others, he emerged from the chasm, spinning in the air under the bright moonlight, landing gracefully on the ground.

Chapter 219: The Night of the Full Moon, the Hour of the Pig, Time for Rest

The robe, which had been lifted slightly, quickly fell back into place.

Shi Hao stared… He felt like he had seen something, and yet… he hadn’t.

Or rather, he had seen something, but it had been too fleeting, too brief.

He replayed the blurry image in his mind, trying to recapture that moment, the details elusive.

He no longer cared about the Jade Pool, the ancient mysteries, the vastness of the universe.

Nothing mattered more than this.

He reached for Su Mei, his voice husky, “Let me…” He wanted another glimpse.

Su Mei chuckled, “Disobeying your master? Little Emerald, bite him!”

A yelp of pain.

He calculated the remaining time. He could still stay in the Primordial Grotto Heaven for a while.

He didn’t dare stay with Su Mei any longer. This demonic witch was too tempting, her teasing too much for him to bear.

He left the palace and wandered through the ruins, calming himself, exploring areas he hadn’t seen before. The Primordial Grotto Heaven was far larger than he had imagined, most of it a desolate wasteland.

This place must have been magnificent once, he thought, a true paradise for immortals.

The jade and stone here were incredibly durable, harder than any material in the mortal world. Those who had lived here must have been powerful beings.

And the primordial energy that permeated this place, according to the Holy Jade Immortal and Su Mei, was similar to the energy he had cultivated, a fusion of Daoist and demonic forces, an energy not found in the mortal world.

But what had happened to those immortals?

What kind of power could have caused such devastation?

He continued walking, his mind gradually calming.

He reached the lake, its surface shimmering, and crossed it, passing through the waterfall, entering the hidden garden.

“Sister Zi Yin?” he called out.

Guided by the faint glow of the Cave Meditating Grass, he reached the giant red peony.

He leaped onto one of its petals and looked around, but she wasn’t there.

Only the slight indentation on the soft bed of stamens, a reminder of their earlier intimacy, remained, a warmth spreading through him.

He looked around. This area was filled with peonies, their blossoms large and colorful, interspersed with other, smaller plants.

But none were as large or as vibrant as the peonies.

A riot of color, a breathtaking display.

Ye Zi Yin’s soft voice came from deeper within the garden, “I’m here.”

Her voice, although not loud, carried clearly, as if she was whispering in his ear.

He followed the sound, past the towering peonies, and reached another section of the garden, filled with strange and beautiful plants he had never seen before.

Three bamboo huts stood nearby, and a well, its water shimmering, likely connected to the lake outside.

A trellis, covered in flowering vines, stood on the other side.

Ye Zi Yin, dressed in a simple robe, a jade hoe in her hand, approached.

“I didn’t expect to find so many plants here,” Shi Hao said, looking around, “It’s completely different from the other side of the waterfall, like another world.”

Ye Zi Yin said softly, “When I first discovered this place, it was also barren. That ancient catastrophe destroyed everything, all the plants, everything.

“But I found some seeds buried deep within the earth, and I brought water from the lake, and gradually, it became… this.”

Shi Hao said, surprised, “You planted all of this, Sister Zi Yin? Even those peonies?”

Ye Zi Yin smiled, “I planted them, but the seeds themselves are… special, and the soil here is fertile. And the waterfall, its source in the void above, brings water from the Celestial Realm, nourishing them, making them grow quickly.”

“And we, the Taisu Immortal Pavilion, have always been self-sufficient, cultivating our own food and herbs. Gardening is… second nature to us.”

Shi Hao said, “Is there anything I can help with, Sister Zi Yin?”

Ye Zi Yin said, “I’m planning to plant more here. Can you dig a channel from the well to this area?”

“Of course,” Shi Hao took the jade hoe from her.

The soil here was hard, almost like stone.

But with his enhanced strength, borrowed from the two women, and the sharp jade hoe, it wasn’t difficult.

He dug a channel, diverting the water from the well, irrigating the soil Ye Zi Yin had prepared and planted, their movements synchronized, a peaceful, almost domestic scene.

Shi Hao smiled, “If I ever leave the jianghu, this would be a nice place to live.”

Ye Zi Yin said, “If you enjoy solitude, perhaps. But it can be… lonely here. It’s not like the mortal world. There are no people, no sounds, just… silence. It can be… unsettling.

“And time flows differently here. A few years here, and the mortal world would be a distant memory, your loved ones gone, your friends dead. It can be… difficult.”

Shi Hao said, “I couldn’t live here alone, of course. But with you, Sister Zi Yin, it wouldn’t matter how long we stayed.”

Ye Zi Yin smiled faintly, not responding directly.

Shi Hao thought that living here with someone you loved wouldn’t be so bad. But for these two women, trapped here together, their relationship strained… it must be a torment.

He helped her plant the seeds, their easy companionship a soothing balm, calming his mind, his energy settling into a peaceful rhythm.

---

Shi Hao, the jade sword at his waist, stood in the central area of the Primordial Grotto Heaven.

Little Emerald hovered beside him.

Ye Zi Yin and Su Mei stood on either side. Su Mei said, her voice a warning, “Remember, your only target is Yi Shenzi. You’re no match for that ancient beast. But the beast is trapped in the underworld, not here.

“The Melting Sun Demon Lord opened a passage between the two worlds here in Wu Gorge, hoping to draw upon the beast’s power, but it’s the phoenix blood that’s keeping it at bay.

“After you defeat Yi Shenzi, embed this sword, infused with phoenix blood, above the Melting Sun Demonic Abyss. That should contain it, at least temporarily.”

Shi Hao couldn’t help but ask, “Only temporarily?”

Ye Zi Yin said softly, “That beast is beyond our ability to destroy, even ours. Our ancestor, Bi Yingtong, brought celestial energy here, hoping to purify the demonic energy and seal the passage to the underworld.

“But the abyss still exists, likely because of that beast. Its natural enemy is the phoenix. As long as the phoenix exists, it won’t dare to emerge.”

Shi Hao nodded, “I understand.”

The Holy Jade Immortal and Su Mei each struck out with a palm, and with a resounding boom, a rift opened above them, a passage to the mortal world.

Shi Hao, carrying Little Emerald, leaped into the rift and returned to the mortal world.

---

The night of the full moon, the hour of the Pig (9-11 pm), the time for rest.

Yi Shenzi landed on the ground with a thud, a wave of black demonic energy, like a shadowy figure, surging towards the ascending Shi Hao.

“Young Master!” Sha Lingshan, the first to emerge from the chasm, cried out, her voice filled with alarm.

It seemed impossible for him to escape.

He couldn’t fly. His upward momentum would eventually fade, and he would fall.

Yi Shenzi’s aura, a terrifying mix of demonic power and bestial rage, surged upwards like a tidal wave, an unstoppable force.

The moment Shi Hao’s ascent faltered, he would be crushed.

Yi Shenzi began to laugh, a sinister, triumphant sound.

Suddenly, Little Emerald appeared beside Shi Hao, creating a gust of wind that lifted him higher.

He held something in his hand, a smooth, round object that shimmered in the moonlight.

He seemed to be walking on air, his movements defying gravity.

Then, he and Little Emerald flickered, and the wave of black energy washed over the spot where they had been.

Before Sha Lingshan could even react, the terrifying aura vanished.

In the blink of an eye, Shi Hao, now facing Yi Shenzi, a jade sword at his waist, Little Emerald on his shoulder, landed gracefully on the ground.

Sha Lingshan stared, stunned, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

A moment ago, the Young Master had been fleeing, covered in dust and grime, his figure silhouetted against the full moon.

Then, he and Little Emerald had vanished momentarily, reappearing, now facing Yi Shenzi, their clothes clean, their demeanor calm and composed.

Yi Shenzi also narrowed his eyes. His attack, his demonic energy, had been swallowed by… something, then dissipated.

“Yi Shenzi,” Shi Hao said, his voice calm and steady, his foot on a rock, “If you want to live, return to the abyss. I’ll spare you.”

“Arrogant!” Yi Shenzi roared, laughing, and charged towards him, his aura terrifying.

Shi Hao, unafraid, met his attack head-on. Their energies collided with a deafening boom.

Shi Hao stood firm, while Yi Shenzi, coughing up blood, was thrown backwards.

Chapter 218: Jade Pool Wonderland: A Bewildering Paradise

Shi Hao reached the edge of the white jade bridge.

Broken pillars stood on either side, the vast emptiness of the void beyond. He stared at the Milky Way, its countless stars swirling and flowing, a river of light.

As he looked, it seemed to press down on him, the stars swirling closer and closer, a suffocating, mesmerizing sight, making his chest tighten, his breath catching in his throat.

A gentle force pulled him back, and he turned to see Ye Zi Yin beside him, her voice soft, “Don’t look too closely.”

Shi Hao exhaled, glancing at the Milky Way again, its swirling stars receding.

They continued forward, reaching the end of the bridge… or perhaps just the middle.

Before them stood a large, circular gate, the white jade bridge extending inwards, its surface shimmering, the space around it distorted, making it difficult to see clearly.

“What’s on the other side?” he asked.

Su Mei, floating back to his side, smiled, “We don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

Ye Zi Yin nodded slightly, “We’ve never been there.”

Su Mei said, “Our individual strength isn’t enough to pass through this gate. We’ve considered joining forces, but…”

She smiled, “We don’t trust each other. Cooperation is impossible.”

Shi Hao understood. He took their hands, his voice filled with excitement, “Let’s go together then.”

He was intensely curious about what lay beyond.

This Primordial Grotto Heaven was even more mysterious than he had imagined.

Although, thinking about it, if it weren’t so mysterious, it wouldn’t have trapped them here for so long.

Holding their hands, he stepped towards the gate, separating them, a buffer between the two rivals. Although his cultivation was still lower than theirs, his current power, amplified by their combined energies, surpassed theirs.

If either of them tried anything, he could stop them.

This mutual distrust, this precarious balance, was their only guarantee of safety.

As they approached the gate, a powerful wind erupted, pushing against them, its force like a physical barrier.

The sudden intensity of the wind, as if they had crossed some invisible boundary, was startling.

Shi Hao now understood why they needed to join forces.

This powerful wind, its energy swirling, was similar to the energy within him, the fusion of his Daoist and demonic cultivation.

They struggled forward, each step an effort, the wind threatening to tear them apart.

With Shi Hao as the conduit, the combined power of the Holy Jade Immortal and the Enchanting Fire Witch flowed into him, creating a protective barrier against the wind.

He tried using his Primordial Energy to sense what lay ahead, but it was useless… This was the first time his Primordial Energy had failed him.

Even with their combined strength, they were like flickering candles in a storm, on the verge of being blown away.

He knew that without them, he would have been crushed by this wind alone.

They were like fish swimming against a raging current, the pressure immense.

The gate was just a few steps away, but each step took them almost an hour, their progress slow and arduous.

They finally reached the gate and looked through it.

They saw another half of a white jade bridge, intact and unbroken.

Beyond the bridge was a floating island, a magnificent landscape of mountains, lakes, and a white jade city.

And bolts of purple lightning, crackling and flashing, tore through the sky, shattering space itself.

It was a breathtaking… and terrifying sight.

The lightning bolts danced across the island, the air filled with the smell of ozone, the buildings, miraculously, mostly undamaged.

But the constant barrage of lightning gave the otherwise ethereal landscape a desolate, lifeless quality.

Space warped and distorted around them. A bolt of lightning struck the peak of the mountain, not destroying it, but spreading outwards, like a branching tree, its energy seeking out and destroying any living thing.

Under this constant bombardment, nothing could survive.

Behind them, the Primordial Grotto Heaven, its buildings collapsed and ruined, offered at least a chance of survival.

And before them, the mysterious floating island, its ancient palaces and jade city still intact, a wondrous and magnificent sight, was a desolate wasteland, devoid of life.

Only here, at the gateway between the two worlds, were they safe, for now.

“What is that place?” Shi Hao asked, his voice filled with awe.

Although the Primordial Grotto Heaven was also a wondrous place, it was in ruins, a reminder of a lost past, a place of mystery and forgotten history.

But this island, its scale immense, its palaces magnificent, its jade city breathtaking, its lake seemingly reflecting the heavens themselves… it was as if all the secrets of the universe were contained within it, a vision too vast, too profound, to comprehend.

It made the world around him seem small and insignificant.

Shi Hao whispered, “What is that place?”

Ye Zi Yin said softly, “If I’m not mistaken, it’s the Jade Pool.”

Shi Hao’s body trembled, “The Jade Pool?” He wanted to look at her, but his gaze was fixed on the mesmerizing landscape before him, its image burned into his mind, threatening to overwhelm him.

Su Mei chuckled, “According to legend, in ancient times, there were two rulers of the immortals: the East King Father, who ruled the male immortals, and the West Queen Mother, who ruled the female immortals. The Jade Pool was the West Queen Mother’s abode. But something happened, and the immortals vanished, either ascending to a higher realm or dying, leaving the Jade Pool in ruins.”

Shi Hao still couldn’t believe it, “So we’re actually seeing… the Jade Pool?” He swayed, his mind reeling, unable to process it.

Two gentle forces pulled him back as they retreated towards the bridge.

He wanted to look again, to linger, but they wouldn’t let him.

He stumbled back onto the bridge, his mind reeling, his stomach churning, the world around him spinning.

The bridge seemed to tilt beneath his feet, the Milky Way swirling around him, its stars pressing down on him, suffocating him.

He lost consciousness—

---

He woke up on a soft bed, his head resting on a smooth, delicate thigh.

Su Mei, dressed in her crimson robe, sat beside him, her legs drawn up, letting him use her lap as a pillow.

Little Emerald hovered nearby, holding a small jade dish, sprinkling cool water on his forehead.

His head throbbed. He didn’t even remember returning.

He rubbed his temples, “What happened?” He tried to sit up but hesitated, enjoying the comfort.

Su Mei smiled, “You looked into the Jade Pool, but its power, its mysteries, were too much for you. Your mind couldn’t handle it.”

Shi Hao sighed, “But you two were fine.”

Su Mei gently tapped his forehead, “Don’t think that just because you’ve borrowed our power, you’re on our level. Although it was our first time seeing the Jade Pool as well, we’ve encountered similar… wonders before.

“Your soul is still too weak. Compared to ours, it’s like a clay figurine that melts in water, while ours are forged from steel.”

Shi Hao had witnessed the ethereal duel between the Sword King and the Sword Demon, two high-rank experts, a battle that would have stunned the martial world.

Yet, he had been overwhelmed simply by looking at the Jade Pool, his mind unable to process it, his spirit almost broken, if not for their intervention.

And now, trying to recall what he had seen, the image was blurry, the details lost, a fleeting, dreamlike memory.

He felt disoriented, disconnected from reality.

He needed something to distract him, to ground him… Dwelling on the Jade Pool would only make it worse.

He felt a strange sense of detachment, the vastness of the universe, the insignificance of human life, making his own struggles seem… meaningless.

He reached out and tugged at Su Mei’s robe, seeking something tangible, something real.

“What are you doing?” she asked, pushing his hand away, a playful smile on her face, “You just woke up, and you’re already thinking about this?”

Little Emerald, seeing his intentions, hovered above him, her tiny fangs bared, ready to bite.

“Wife,” Shi Hao looked at her, his eyes pleading, like a wounded animal, hoping to evoke her sympathy.

Su Mei, her heart softening, said, “Just a peek.”

She gently lifted the hem of her robe—

Chapter 217: Jade Pool Wonderland: Across the Vast Milky Way!

Su Mei, her movements swift and unpredictable, flickered around him, appearing before him, then behind him, then to his left, then to his right.

He was thrown back repeatedly, her kicks landing with resounding thuds.

Despite his superior strength, he couldn’t even defend himself, let alone attack.

“I surrender!” he cried out.

This humbling experience taught him that even with immense power, without skill and experience, it was useless.

If either of these two women faced Yi Shenzi, they could probably defeat him easily.

After all, even Lie Zunyi, the Supreme Emperor of the barbarian court, had been defeated by Su Mei, only daring to return to the Central Plains after her disappearance.

“Not bad,” Su Mei said, landing gracefully before him.

Her robe, already loose, shifted with her movements, revealing glimpses of her body beneath.

Shi Hao, knowing she was deliberately teasing him, couldn’t help but look.

Ye Zi Yin, however, said, her voice a warning, “Although you’ve borrowed our power through the Wedding Dress Divine Art, Yi Shenzi has the strength of an ancient beast. Don’t underestimate him.”

Shi Hao said thoughtfully, “After the failure of the Thunder Sound Universal Transformation Array, when Yi Shenzi’s soul returned to the Melting Sun Demonic Abyss and re-possessed the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, he claimed we forced him to do it. I sensed a shadowy figure merging with him, initially just a small point of contact.

“But then, the connection grew stronger, his power increasing, his aura becoming more monstrous.”

Su Mei said, “Borrowing the power of an ancient beast, like borrowing the power of a Yin Demon, carries the risk of being possessed. He wouldn’t do it willingly. He was relying on the phoenix blood to survive in the abyss and resist the beast’s influence.

“Losing the pearl, and then, with the destruction of his sect, his anger and despair overwhelmed him. He had nothing left to lose.”

Shi Hao looked at Su Mei, “Is there no way to cure someone afflicted by demonic influence?” He told her about Du Yuejiao’s condition.

Su Mei, crossing her arms, shook her head, “It’s a one-way path. Once it begins, it can’t be reversed. It’s only a matter of time before the Yin Demon completely consumes their soul.

“It starts with twisted thoughts, then obsessive behavior, then a complete change in personality. Few can resist it. Most die a violent death.”

“I suggest you kill her before she becomes a danger to herself and others, before she drags you down with her.”

Shi Hao looked at Ye Zi Yin, who sighed and shook her head, “There have been cases of people trying to save their loved ones from demonic affliction, but they either ended up being killed themselves or were forced to kill the afflicted person to prevent further tragedy.

“There are no exceptions. But I wouldn’t recommend killing her. If she truly loses control, sever her meridians, cripple her cultivation, and imprison her. It’s a… kinder fate.”

Su Mei sneered, “Crippling someone’s cultivation and imprisoning them for life? You call that kindness?”

Ye Zi Yin said calmly, “Most people in this world live ordinary lives without martial arts. Those who enter the jianghu, even the most talented, often meet tragic ends. A peaceful life, a natural death… isn’t that a good ending?”

Su Mei chuckled, “If you say so. But even crippling her cultivation won’t solve the problem. There are many ways to obtain power. Driven by their desires, tempted by Yin Demons, they’ll always find a way.”

Ye Zi Yin said, “That’s why they need to be closely monitored. Even in the Taisu Immortal Pavilion, there have been cases of demonic cultivators, their powers crippled, repenting and finding peace, living out their lives in quiet seclusion.”

Su Mei burst into laughter, “You’re talking about Wen Daizong, the ‘Heartless Lord’? A single, unique case in history, and you’re presenting it as if it’s commonplace.”

Ye Zi Yin said, “Although it’s a rare occurrence, it’s still possible. The world is vast and full of wonders. It’s better than giving up hope.”

Su Mei snorted, “You know it’s unlikely, yet you offer him false hope, just to make me the bad guy.”

She looked at Shi Hao, “There is a way, but it’s… difficult. Yin Demons are formless and intangible, corrupting the soul, but if you can transcend your mortal limitations and reach the legendary realm of the immortals, you might be able to dispel them, restore her soul, and reshape her destiny.”

Ye Zi Yin shook her head, “That’s even less likely…”

“Is it?” Su Mei, pointing at Shi Hao, smiled, “Don’t you think he’s the most likely candidate for such a breakthrough? You and I, we’ve both reached the peak of our respective paths, Daoist and demonic, yet neither of us has been able to transcend. We don’t even know what we’re missing.”

“Perhaps the reason we can’t reach that level is because we’re too… specialized. Perhaps true transcendence requires dual cultivation, like him? If that’s the case, with our guidance, he might become the first to achieve such a breakthrough since the Three Sovereigns of antiquity.”

Ye Zi Yin’s expression softened, a thoughtful look in her eyes.

Su Mei shrugged, “Of course, it’s too early to say. To transcend, he first has to reach the high ranks. And every step beyond the third rank is incredibly difficult. There are countless ‘geniuses’ in the martial world, and many, despite their talent and their seemingly good fortune, meet tragic ends.”

Ye Zi Yin, surprisingly agreeing with her, nodded slightly.

She knew Su Mei’s words were meant for Shi Hao.

Having reached their level of cultivation, they understood the fickleness of fate, the unpredictability of the world.

Countless martial artists, despite their talent and their initial success, had fallen.

They had high hopes for Shi Hao, but they also knew that arrogance and complacency could lead to ruin.

Su Mei looked at Shi Hao and suddenly said, “This might be an opportunity.”

Shi Hao asked, “What opportunity?”

Su Mei glanced at Ye Zi Yin.

Ye Zi Yin frowned, “Are you serious?”

Su Mei smiled, “What are you afraid of? We’ll be guiding him. And besides, the two of us alone can’t do it. This is our chance. Although his cultivation level is technically the same as ours, his dual cultivation makes him… slightly stronger.

“With him as a… buffer, we don’t have to worry about each other. And that greedy boy… he’ll want both of us anyway.”

Shi Hao asked again, “What are you talking about?” They were clearly discussing something he didn’t know about.

Su Mei turned and floated away, “Come on, I’ll show you.”

Ye Zi Yin, seemingly having made up her mind, approached him and whispered, “You’ll understand soon.” She took his hand, and they followed Su Mei.

Shi Hao realized there were deeper secrets within the Primordial Grotto Heaven.

---

During his previous visits, due to time constraints, he had only been to Ye Zi Yin’s waterfall and Su Mei’s palace.

Now, they were taking him somewhere else.

They flew over a vast expanse of ruins, the destruction increasing as they went.

The once magnificent palaces and pavilions were now just piles of rubble.

A large, ornate building, tilted precariously, its former grandeur still evident in its broken remains, its jade and stone shattered, a testament to some ancient, devastating force.

They flew over it, Shi Hao’s movement, although enhanced by his increased cultivation, still far less effortless than theirs, his feet occasionally touching the ground.

As his foot landed on a section of the roof, it collapsed, sending debris raining down.

The level of destruction here was far greater than elsewhere.

They continued forward, entering a thick mist, like a series of closing curtains, the path behind them disappearing as they passed.

Shi Hao looked back and saw faint, shimmering patterns in the mist.

Then, they arrived at a white jade bridge, also broken and shattered, but the jade here seemed stronger, more resilient, than the other structures, its pieces still connected, despite the cracks.

Shi Hao looked up and saw a river flowing beneath the bridge, its waters rising on either side, as if defying gravity.

He stared at it, and his mind reeled.

The river, seemingly close, was also impossibly distant, its shimmering surface a swirling galaxy of stars.

“What river is that?” he asked, his voice filled with awe.

Su Mei, floating ahead of them, turned and smiled, “Didn’t you recite that poem? ‘Across the vast Milky Way, a secret crossing.’”

Shi Hao was stunned, “That’s… the Milky Way?”

Su Mei chuckled, “Indeed. It is.”

Chapter 216: Jade Pool Wonderland: The Fusion of Two Energies!

“Wife, Wife, stop!” Shi Hao cried out, his hands pinned above his head by Su Mei.

His wrists were trapped, her legs on either side of his waist, sitting on top of him.

This isn’t right, he thought.

But he couldn’t break free.

Su Mei, her body swaying rhythmically, giggled, her touch teasing and provocative, but she didn’t intend to let him have his way.

After he had left with Ye Zi Yin, she had deliberately tried to provoke him with her words, hoping to sow discord between them.

But she hadn’t expected Ye Zi Yin to be so… accommodating.

If that had happened, she could have comforted him, deepening their bond and driving a wedge between him and Ye Zi Yin.

But now, having already been intimate with Ye Zi Yin, if she gave herself to him now, it would seem like she was just imitating her, following her lead.

And she wasn’t about to do that.

So she teased him, his desire growing, his frustration mounting.

As the saying went, A wife is not as good as a concubine, a concubine is not as good as a stolen tryst, and a stolen tryst is not as good as a tryst that almost was.

Su Mei, a true demonic witch, her playful torment driving him to the brink, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

She tempted him, but she wouldn’t give him what he wanted, and he, his cultivation still incomplete, couldn’t overpower her.

After a while, exhausted, his hands gripping the sides of the bed, his gaze unfocused, he lay there, defeated.

Su Mei, however, wasn’t done yet. She leaned over him, her hand caressing his face, and smiled, “Giving up so easily?”

Shi Hao suddenly grabbed her waist, flipped her over, and, ignoring her laughter, his hands reaching for her breasts.

Su Mei, catching his wrists, chuckled, “It seems you haven’t suffered enough.”

Shi Hao stopped, his breath ragged, “Wife, just let me touch them.” His request, after her relentless teasing, was now pathetically small.

Just a touch, a caress. He didn’t dare ask for more.

Su Mei, her laughter like tinkling bells, released his hands.

Having had his… fill of touching, Shi Hao didn’t dare to entertain any further improper thoughts.

She wouldn’t let him have his way today. Continuing down this path would only lead to more suffering.

He focused his mind, suppressing his desires, as they began the connection ritual of the Wedding Dress Divine Art.

He felt like he was being toyed with.

Ye Zi Yin was tall and slender, while Su Mei was petite. Their bodies, in the traditional yin-yang position, wouldn’t align properly.

So, he sat cross-legged, while she sat facing him, their legs intertwined.

Of course, being a man, with her so close, her beauty so captivating, it was impossible for him to be completely unaffected.

But he controlled himself, his arousal evident, but his actions restrained. And Su Mei, seeing his struggle, decided not to push him any further. Too much teasing could backfire.

So, with one playing hard to get, and the other satisfied with his small victories, they completed the connection ritual.

Su Mei, giggling, got off the bed and put on her crimson robe, tying the sash around her waist.

Although the ruqun was traditionally a two-piece garment, the skirt usually pleated, requiring trousers underneath, she only wore the top now, its sheer fabric clinging to her body, her curves tantalizingly visible.

Of course, the robe was long, reaching her thighs, concealing what needed to be concealed.

“How do you feel?” she asked, turning to him.

I can barely control myself, Shi Hao thought. He said, “I can sense two new energies within me, a cold one and a hot one, like a glacier colliding with a volcano, although they haven’t… erupted yet.”

Su Mei chuckled, “Theoretically, my energy and Ye Zi Yin’s are diametrically opposed. For someone to contain both without exploding would be a miracle. But you’re a dual cultivator, practicing both the Evil Lotus Sect’s and the Taisu Immortal Pavilion’s techniques.

“As long as we coordinate carefully, slowly channeling our energies into you, maintaining a balance, it shouldn’t be a problem. But we still need to test it. Even with the Wedding Dress Divine Art, it’s usually just one person transferring their power to another.

“This… two people, one Daoist, one demonic, simultaneously empowering a single recipient… it’s unprecedented.”

“And your foundation is still weak. You can’t borrow our power for too long. After defeating Yi Shenzi, you’ll have to sever the connection. Otherwise, our energies will eventually overwhelm and consume your own.”

Little Emerald, holding his mended pants, flew over and presented them to him.

Shi Hao got dressed. Su Mei said, “Let’s go.”

He followed her out of the hall.

Outside, she walked gracefully, her robe fluttering in the breeze, her movements fluid and elegant.

Shi Hao, watching her, her slender figure swaying gently, her every movement radiating charm and allure, thought she was incredibly beautiful.

They rejoined Ye Zi Yin, who held a white jade sword.

Its scabbard was smooth and unblemished, its hilt simple and elegant. She handed the sword to Shi Hao, glancing at Su Mei, who stood behind him, barefoot, her legs bare, her robe clinging to her body.

Su Mei smiled, a knowing look in her eyes, as if challenging her to guess what had just transpired between them.

Shi Hao drew the sword. Blood-red runes covered its blade.

Ye Zi Yin said, “I’ve infused the phoenix blood into the blade. This sword is forged from the mystic jade here, stronger than any steel in the mortal world. Use it without hesitation.

“We still have some time. Test the connection, make sure there are no problems, before facing Yi Shenzi. And after you defeat him, sever the connection immediately, to avoid…”

Su Mei chuckled, “I’ve already told him all that.”

Ye Zi Yin snorted, ignoring her.

Shi Hao marveled at her skill. This mystic jade, harder than steel, and she had carved a sword from it in just a few hours, its craftsmanship exquisite, the phoenix blood seamlessly integrated into the blade.

Such power, such mastery, was beyond his comprehension. He was still so far from their level.

He wondered if he would ever reach their level, a daunting prospect.

But then he reminded himself that although their power was immense, he wasn’t completely outmatched. He was walking a path no one had ever walked before, a path of limitless potential.

He hoped that one day, he could end their rivalry, their conflict, his own strength surpassing theirs, uniting them.

Under their watchful eyes, he opened the two energy channels within him, the connections to their power.

A wave of Daoist true energy and demonic energy flowed into him, their power immense.

He circulated his own cultivation technique, guiding the two energies, intertwining them, merging them with his own.

Ye Zi Yin’s energy was cool and refreshing, like water, while Su Mei’s demonic energy was hot and fiery.

And strangely, as they merged within him, they transformed into a new, unique energy, its aura calm and balanced, vast and powerful, like the ocean.

The flow of energy continued until their powers reached an equilibrium within him.

It was as if three pools, two full, one empty, were connected, the water flowing until all three reached the same level.

He now truly understood the immensity of their power.

He currently possessed only about sixty percent of their combined strength, yet he felt like he had been released from a narrow well, now soaring through the vastness of the sky, a sense of limitless power, of invincibility, filling him.

Su Mei smiled, “Now, let’s see what you can do.” She flickered, her palm striking towards his ribs.

Shi Hao raised his hand, and their palms met with a resounding boom, the air around them seeming to crackle and distort, the force of the impact sending debris flying, some shattering… and the jade and stone within the Primordial Grotto Heaven were far more durable than ordinary materials.

Su Mei, caught off guard by the force of the blow, was thrown backwards, “Impressive,” she said, her voice filled with surprise.

His power, amplified by their combined energies, should have been equal to hers.

But his unique energy, a fusion of Daoist and demonic forces, was somehow purer, more refined, more potent, allowing him to withstand her attack while sending her flying.

Although she had known he had merged his Daoist and demonic energies, experiencing it firsthand was still surprising… His new power seemed to be on a higher level than even hers or Ye Zi Yin’s.

Su Mei chuckled, “Be careful now.” She kicked off a tilted pillar and lunged towards him, her speed incredible.

Her figure blurred, multiplying, surrounding him, a dizzying array of attacks, making it impossible to distinguish the real one from the illusions.

Shi Hao, not daring to underestimate her, gathered his strength, drew his sword, and unleashed a flurry of techniques.

But even with his enhanced power, he was quickly overwhelmed by her relentless assault.

Although his swordsmanship, honed in the Celestial Realm, would be considered “divine” by most in the martial world, against Su Mei’s unpredictable and powerful techniques, he was still a novice.