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

Chapter 215: Jade Pool Wonderland: The Terrifying Witch!

Shi Hao gritted his teeth and insisted, “I never recited the second half to her.”

Su Mei sneered, “Don’t lie to me. After you left last time, she boasted about it.”

Shi Hao’s mind reeled. He knew begging for mercy was useless.

Then, realizing she was bluffing, he decided to call her out, “That’s impossible. I never recited it to her. How could she know?”

Su Mei smiled, “You’re clever enough to realize I was testing you, but it’s too late.

“When I asked you to recite the poem, your pupils constricted. You were afraid. And when you denied reciting it to her, your voice was strained. You were lying. Why would you lie? Although I was bluffing, for a moment, you believed me.

“Do you really think you can deceive me?”

Her face, usually adorned with a playful smile, turned cold, her eyes glinting with a menacing light, a chilling transformation.

Shi Hao felt like he was lying on a chopping block, awaiting the executioner’s blade.

He threw caution to the wind, grabbed Su Mei, flipped her over, pinning her beneath him, his face buried in her robe, kissing her neck.

Su Mei, surprised by his sudden boldness, sneered, “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

“I don’t care anymore!” Shi Hao mumbled against her skin, “You don’t believe me. No matter what I say, you think I’m lying. I can’t win. I know you can crush me with a flick of your wrist. I can’t escape.”

“I just have one request, wife. Let me… have you… one more time.”

Su Mei was both amused and exasperated, “Why would I grant you such a favor if I’m going to kill you?”

Shi Hao said, “Then grant me a quick death.” He lifted her robe and pressed his face against her thigh, “Let me have one last… pleasant memory.”

Little Emerald stared at them, her eyes wide.

Su Mei, pushing him away, pulled down her robe, and chuckled, “You think that will work?”

“Wife!” Shi Hao, his breath catching in his throat, pulled at her robe again, his desire evident.

Su Mei smiled, “You’re truly defying your master!” She suddenly pushed him away, tearing his pants, and shouted, “Little Emerald, bite…!”

Shi Hao, shielding himself, cried out, “Not there!”

Su Mei, sitting on the bed, burst into laughter.

Little Emerald, however, didn’t attack, simply hovering nearby, looking confused.

“Fine, you win this round,” Su Mei said, getting off the bed and untying her hair. She glanced at him, “Take off your pants and give them to Little Emerald. She’ll mend them for you.”

Shi Hao hesitated.

Su Mei said, “Are you defying your master again?”

Shi Hao said quickly, “No, Master!” He took off his pants, his long robe his only covering, and handed them to Little Emerald.

He was relieved. He had survived another encounter.

He knew Su Mei hadn’t truly intended to kill him. She wouldn’t have bestowed the Demonic Lotus Heavenly Yin upon him and made him her true disciple otherwise.

In the demonic sects, the lineage of inheritance was sacred.

But if he chose to side with the Holy Jade Immortal, she would have to eliminate him. He would become a threat.

And when a demonic cultivator decided to kill, they were ruthless.

Su Mei, having achieved the impossible, uniting the demonic sects and leading the dark path, was clearly not a sentimental woman.

The Taisu Immortal Pavilion’s leadership in the righteous path was built upon centuries of tradition and reputation.

Su Mei’s rise to power, however, had been swift and decisive, her own personal achievement.

The demonic sects, inherently selfish and driven by individual ambitions, were a fragmented and disorganized force, unlike the seemingly unified righteous path. To unite them and command their loyalty was a remarkable feat.

That was why, even after three hundred years, the legend of the “Demon Empress” persisted in the demonic sects.

Although she valued her chosen disciple, she wouldn’t nurture a potential rival.

His secret recitation of that poem to Ye Zi Yin, and their subsequent intimacy, had aroused her suspicion.

Shi Hao had denied it, although he knew he couldn’t truly deceive her. He had been tricked by her earlier, but he quickly realized that Ye Zi Yin wasn’t the type to boast about such things.

He had then… tried to seduce Su Mei, hoping to convince her that her own allure was just as powerful, that he couldn’t resist her either.

As long as Su Mei believed she and Ye Zi Yin were still rivals, she wouldn’t kill him.

Of course, Su Mei knew his intentions. She wasn’t a fool.

But his little “dying in a moment of passion” trick had amused her. He was a clever disciple, resourceful and quick-witted.

In a life-or-death situation, such things as dignity and propriety were meaningless.

Su Mei undid her hair, its dark waves cascading down her back, her beauty enhanced by this casual display.

She was petite, her movements naturally graceful, her usual bun accentuating her youthful charm.

Now, with her hair loose and slightly disheveled, her figure seemed even more alluring.

“Fine, I won’t tease you anymore,” she said, pushing him back onto the bed, “Let’s begin the connection ritual.”

Shi Hao’s heart leaped… It’s finally happening? With their Heavenly Pool and dantian acupoints touching… surely, something more would happen.

Su Mei smiled, “That eager look on your face… are you planning to do something inappropriate to your master?” She began untying his robe, “Little Emerald…”

Little Emerald, who had been mending his torn pants with a jade needle and thread, looked up.

Being trapped in the Primordial Grotto Heaven, they had to make do with what they had. Su Mei had crafted the needle herself.

Su Mei chuckled, “Keep an eye on him. If he misbehaves, bite him.”

Shi Hao tried to escape… this was too much!

But Su Mei held him down, giggling, “This is for your own good. If the connection ritual fails, you’ll die out there, facing Yi Shenzi. And for the ritual to work, your mind has to be clear, free from distractions. Since you clearly can’t control yourself, I’m having Little Emerald supervise.

“A little pressure will help you focus. See? I’m looking out for you.”

Shi Hao pleaded, “Wait, wife, this… this won’t work… I can’t…”

“You have to,” Su Mei straddled him, untying her robe, her expression serious, “You’ve been studying Daoist cultivation with that woman. Don’t you know that cultivation is about controlling your desires, detaching yourself from worldly concerns, achieving inner peace?

“A calm mind leads to a focused spirit, a focused spirit to a tranquil heart. A restless heart is filled with distractions, while a tranquil heart achieves clarity. True tranquility is the absence of thought, the stillness of the body, impervious to illusion, the embodiment of virtue…”

Shi Hao couldn’t help himself, “Wife, you… a demonic cultivator… teaching me about Daoist mental discipline? Are you sure about this?”

“So you think I’m a demonic witch?” Su Mei laughed, “Little Emerald, keep a close eye on him. Come, my disciple, let your master… take care of you.”

Her fingers, tracing circles around his dantian, their touch teasing and provocative.

Shi Hao knew this was a dangerous situation. Little Emerald watching intently, Su Mei deliberately tempting him… he would either lose his mind or his… well, something.

He struggled, his resistance, however, futile. He was no match for her.

Chapter 214: The Wedding Dress Divine Art: Impending Doom!

The beautiful woman’s delicate hand rested on his chest.

They had just bathed in the lake, their bodies clad only in her sheer, white robe, its lapels draped over her arms.

Although the lake water was cool, the Primordial Grotto Heaven, unlike the mortal world, had a constant, spring-like climate, making the coolness refreshing.

Shi Hao could sense a new energy, a subtle vibration, emanating from a point two inches below his solar plexus.

This energy resonated with a similar energy within her, their frequencies perfectly synchronized, a faint echo of their earlier intimacy.

He didn’t dare draw upon her power yet.

With the Holy Jade Immortal’s immense cultivation, her energy, if channeled into him now, would destroy his demonic foundation.

Resting his head on her lap, Shi Hao suddenly remembered something, “Sister Zi Yin, during the last full moon, someone from the Taisu Immortal Pavilion appeared. I was underground at the time and didn’t see her, but I heard her name was Yun Caiyao.

“She single-handedly dispersed the True Dragon energy and stopped the Ghost Extreme Sect’s plan, but I haven’t heard anything about her since.”

Ye Zi Yin’s voice was tinged with a hint of longing, “The Taisu Immortal Pavilion… it’s been a long time. If she’s a descendant of our sect, she must have reached the high ranks before making her debut. We rarely intervene directly, preferring to guide events from the shadows.”

“And from what you’ve described, no matter how much chaos erupts, as long as Lie Zunyi lives, the barbarian court won’t fall easily. If the Taisu Immortal Pavilion wants to influence the situation, they’ll have to deal with him.”

“And that Grandmother Ba you mentioned, her attempt to harness the True Dragon’s energy… she must have some plan. I suspect the Taisu Immortal Pavilion is also aware of this.”

Shi Hao, considering her words, had to admit, her analysis was sound.

In this world, power was paramount.

As long as Lie Zunyi lived, the barbarian court wouldn’t fall. This was an undeniable truth.

That was why, despite the numerous rebellions across the land, with Lie Zunyi still alive, the barbarian court, although struggling, remained standing.

None of the rebel leaders dared to attack the capital. This was a testament to Lie Zunyi’s power and influence.

As long as he lived, the four great barbarian families, and all their allies, would remain loyal, the barbarian court maintaining its control over the central plains.

And although the southern provinces were engulfed in conflict, these rebellions couldn’t truly threaten the barbarian court’s rule.

Their control over the south had always been tenuous, relying on alliances and appeasement rather than direct control. This allowed the local clans and sects to maintain their power and influence, making them quick to rise up in rebellion.

But as long as the barbarian court controlled the central plains and the north, these southern rebellions, even if successful, would only result in further division and infighting, posing no real threat.

That was why the barbarian court had been so determined to crush Fu Shiyuan’s rebellion. He had been the greatest threat to their rule.

And if the Taisu Immortal Pavilion wanted to regain its influence in the martial world, they would have to confront Lie Zunyi directly.

With nothing else to do for now, Shi Hao and Ye Zi Yin discussed the current situation, her insights clarifying many of his doubts and uncertainties.

---

Shi Hao got dressed and, following her instructions, left the phoenix blood with her.

He left the grotto and walked through the ruins.

Passing the tilted jade pillar, he reached the partially collapsed palace and climbed the stairs to the second floor, calling out, “Master?”

With Little Emerald nearby, he didn’t dare address Su Mei as “wife.”

“Come in,” Su Mei’s voice, playful and seductive, called out.

He entered and saw her sitting at the round, white jade table, dressed in her crimson robe, her hair in a bun, teasing the Emerald Beauty.

As he approached, she glanced at him sideways, her lips curving into a smile, “So, you and your little wife… had fun?”

Shi Hao stammered, “Well…”

Su Mei chuckled, “There’s no point hiding it from me. When you first arrived, you were covered in dirt. Now you’re clean, your clothes freshly washed. The Wedding Dress Divine Art requires skin-to-skin contact. You wouldn’t want to… soil your precious immortal, would you?”

“It’s a pity there’s no incense here, and you didn’t have time. Otherwise, you would have probably performed a cleansing ritual.”

“The connection requires contact between the solar plexus and dantian acupoints. And with a beautiful woman like her, whose figure is far from… flat, and with such close contact, I don’t believe you could have resisted, unless you’re a eunuch.”

Shi Hao thought, She knows everything.

Looking at Su Mei’s beautiful face, her delicate features, he thought that both Ye Zi Yin and Su Mei were incredibly attractive, each with their own unique charm.

Su Mei continued, her voice teasing, “If she had rejected you, your desire unfulfilled, your steps would be heavy, your heart filled with shame and regret. You wouldn’t be so… light and carefree now.

“You look like you’re floating on clouds, clearly enjoying yourself. It seems she indulged you. For Ye Zi Yin, so cold and aloof, to go so far to avoid hurting your feelings… she must be very fond of you.”

Shi Hao thought, She knows everything.

Su Mei, resting her chin on her hand, her other hand tapping the table, smiled, “And you should be thanking me. If not for my little… nudge, you might not have been so lucky.”

Shi Hao quickly said, “Thank you, Master.” Although he suspected she was just trying to provoke them.

Su Mei beckoned him, “Come here.”

As he approached, she spun around, grabbed his robe, and with a gentle push, sent him sprawling onto the bed.

The bed, carved from white jade and covered with layers of red silk, was surprisingly soft.

Silk curtains hung from the canopy above, swaying gently as they fell.

Su Mei, her alluring body pressing down on him, her beauty breathtaking, looked at him, her eyes sparkling, “Now it’s my turn. Are you… excited?”

Shi Hao looked at her, her robe loose, her shoulders bare, her collarbone delicate, a pink, gold-embroidered chest covering peeking out from beneath the sheer fabric, her curves enticing, her eyes sparkling with amusement, her fragrance intoxicating.

He swallowed hard, his heart racing.

He had been anticipating this. The Wedding Dress Divine Art required skin-to-skin contact, which meant…

Su Mei suddenly sneered, “Disobeying your master? Bite him!”

A small figure shot through the air, landing on his shoulder with a sharp bite.

Little Emerald! After I was so nice to you!

He didn’t know how that small, delicate doll had such sharp teeth. Its bite was painful.

“Master, I was wrong! I apologize!” Shi Hao cried out.

Su Mei pinned him down, her face now cold and menacing, “Wrong? How were you wrong?”

Shi Hao said, “I shouldn’t have… those thoughts about you, Master…”

Su Mei sneered, “You had those thoughts about that woman, and you even slept with her. But you shouldn’t have such thoughts about me? Do you think I’m not as beautiful as her, not worthy of your… affections?”

Shi Hao quickly said, “No, no, of course not! I also… have feelings for you, Master. I…”

“Disobeying your master! Little Emerald…”

“Aagh!” Shi Hao yelped.

That damned doll had bitten him again before Su Mei even finished her sentence.

He realized she was just looking for an excuse to punish him, something else clearly bothering her.

He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, “How have I offended you, Master? Tell me, so I can at least die knowing why.”

Su Mei sneered, “You want to know? Then answer this question. ‘Fine clouds weave their magic, shooting stars carry longing, across the vast Milky Way, a secret crossing; when golden wind meets jade dew, all earthly joys pale in hue…’ What’s the next verse?”

Shi Hao’s heart sank, but he recited, “Tender love, like water flowing, sweet moments, like a dream glowing, as I linger on the bridge of magpies, homeward going; if love be long and true, why should we yearn for constant viewing?”

Su Mei’s sneer vanished, replaced by a sweet, seductive smile, her eyes sparkling, her hand gently caressing his face, her voice soft and alluring, like a bride teasing her new husband, “Tell me, my dear disciple, my dear husband, when did you recite this poem… to that woman?

“Don’t worry, I won’t be angry.”

Shi Hao knew… he was doomed.

Chapter 213: The Wedding Dress Divine Art: Water and Sky Merge as One!

Ye Zi Yin could sense the sudden shift in his energy, his desire intensifying.

The stamens of the giant peony yielded beneath them, their bodies sinking deeper.

The young man on top of her, like water freezing, then rapidly heating, his body tense, his aura burning.

“Sister Zi Yin,” he whispered, his voice hoarse, his hands gripping her shoulders, pulling her closer.

Their bodies sank further into the soft bed of stamens.

“Brother Hao, calm yourself,” Ye Zi Yin said softly, her voice gentle and soothing, guiding him through a calming exercise, “Focus your gaze on your nose, your nose on your heart, harmonize your energy and spirit, unify your soul and consciousness, let the light of clarity fill your being.”

Shi Hao tried to follow her instructions, his gaze fixed on his nose, then shifting to his heart… which was currently pressed against her breasts.

He couldn’t continue.

Ye Zi Yin sensed his quickening heartbeat, the heat radiating from his body.

She remained still, giving him time to regain his composure.

But the slight trembling where their bodies touched, the subtle friction as he moved against her, his desire evident despite his efforts to control it…

He didn’t want to do this, but he couldn’t resist.

She could push him away, tell him to calm himself, but deep down, she knew it would happen again.

It was her own beauty that had aroused him. Few men could resist such temptation.

This trial, for him, was too difficult.

She sighed softly, a secret, hidden part of her strangely… pleased.

After all, if he had resisted, she might have been slightly disappointed.

But this stalemate couldn’t continue. He saw her as his teacher, his older sister, his desire warring with his respect.

And if she pushed him away now, it would wound his pride.

She remembered Su Mei’s words:

—”Perhaps you’ll soon realize I’m the one who truly cares about you.”

Perhaps, when it came to understanding men, she was indeed no match for that witch.

As an immortal of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion, a woman revered for her beauty and virtue, she had had many admirers.

They were all young masters from prominent families, renowned martial artists, or talented young heroes of the righteous path.

But a single glance from her, her eyes sharp and cold, had been enough to silence them, their advances quelled, their desire replaced by shame and regret.

She had never allowed anyone to get close, never even touched their hands, let alone… this.

She had never considered how a man would react if she allowed him such intimacy.

This is a curse, she thought.

As he held her close, she gently wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice soft, “Brother Hao… do you want this?”

Feeling her warmth, her acceptance, her lack of judgment, his body trembled, the slight misalignment of their dantian acupoints shifting further as he moved against her.

They sank deeper into the soft bed of stamens.

His lips brushed against her cheek, then her ear, his voice a whisper, “…Is this alright?”

---

The Cave Meditating Grass on the walls flickered, their ethereal glow radiating outwards, filling the hidden grotto with a soft, warm light.

The waterfall that concealed its entrance had, for some reason, parted.

Outside, it was the night of the full moon, the Mid-Autumn Festival.

A time for family reunions… although war raged across the land.

The lake outside shimmered, its ripples disturbing the tranquility of this hidden world, its air heavy with moisture.

Within the grotto behind the waterfall, strange and beautiful flowers and plants bloomed, their colors vibrant, their fragrance intoxicating.

The chaos of the outside world seemed distant and unreal.

This hidden sanctuary, a world apart, offered peace and tranquility.

The cascading water, now a gentle mist, created a rainbow above the shimmering lake, a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

After a long while, two figures, hand in hand, emerged from the grotto, stepping into the lake, their voices low, their bodies intertwined as they bathed.

And then, their bodies pressed close together, the young man’s mind now clear, his passion tempered by her gentle guidance, they completed the ritual of the Wedding Dress Divine Art.

Afterwards, they sat by the lake, he with his head resting on her lap.

“Sister Zi Yin,” he finally said, his voice filled with a newfound tenderness, ashamed of his earlier loss of control, “I… I couldn’t resist.”

The beautiful woman, still in her white robe, its sheer fabric clinging to her body, gently tapped his forehead with her finger, her delicate feet dangling in the cool water.

She asked softly, “How do you feel?”

He savored the lingering warmth and whispered, “Wonderful.”

“I mean, how do you feel now that our energies are connected?” she asked, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, a rare and beautiful sight.

He stared at her, captivated, his mind blank, forgetting her question.

After a moment, he finally understood and replied, “Wonderful.” He still hadn’t fully recovered.

His body had returned, but his mind was still elsewhere.

This is a curse, the beautiful immortal thought, sighing inwardly.

She looked up at the vast, empty sky above.

The sky in the Primordial Grotto Heaven was a blank canvas, without sun, moon, or stars.

“What are you thinking, Sister Zi Yin?” Shi Hao asked, his gaze lingering on the curve of her breasts, barely concealed by her robe.

“It’s difficult to perceive the passage of time in the Primordial Grotto Heaven,” she said, her hand gently caressing his hair, “Before you arrived, neither Su Mei nor I realized how long we had been here. Only after learning about the changes in the outside world did we truly understand how… disconnected we had become.

“It’s like being adrift in the vastness of space, with no anchor, no sense of direction, no destination. Returning to the mortal world… it no longer seemed to matter. We didn’t know where we were going, or when we would arrive.”

She lowered her gaze, looking at him, her eyes meeting his, “But now… I feel like I’ve finally… landed.”

Chapter 212: The Wedding Dress Divine Art: Heavenly Pool and Dantian!

With their Heavenly Pool and dantian acupoints touching, their bodies would be pressed close together.

Ye Zi Yin had no other choice.

The Wedding Dress Divine Art was an ancient technique, but rarely used. The first application, transferring one’s cultivated essence, didn’t require such intimacy.

But the second application, creating a temporary “bridge” for sharing power, required physical contact.

And this connection couldn’t be altered.

After all, transferring energy across such a distance was already a feat of incredible skill. For ordinary martial artists, the fact that she, residing in the Primordial Grotto Heaven, could lend her power to someone in the mortal world was a miracle.

For this transfer to work, a resonance, a connection, had to be established between their energies.

This connection, this “bridge,” was created through the Wedding Dress Divine Art.

The original technique had been even more complex and demanding. This was the simplified version.

Even she couldn’t simplify it any further.

Ye Zi Yin could sense his gaze lingering on her, his desire evident, despite his attempts to maintain a semblance of propriety.

She wasn’t angry.

Firstly, he had been with her during his first visit to the Primordial Grotto Heaven, although it had been Su Mei’s doing. It had been her first time, and that couldn’t be undone.

In a way, he was her man.

Secondly, during his subsequent visits, she had taught him martial arts, guided his cultivation. He was not just her… lover, but also her disciple.

If he left now, he would be no match for Yi Shenzi. He would die.

She couldn’t let that happen.

And thirdly, Ye Zi Yin, a wise and perceptive woman, understood that if she wasn’t attractive, no matter what she wore, he wouldn’t be so affected.

His reaction was a testament to her own beauty.

She smiled faintly, her eyes, however, sharp and clear.

Her gaze, although gentle, seemed to pierce his mind, calming him slightly.

She took his hand, “Let’s go up,” and was about to lead him to the top of the giant red peony.

Shi Hao quickly said, “Wait, Sister Zi Yin, wait,” and pulled away, running.

Ye Zi Yin, surprised by his sudden flight, watched him go.

---

Shi Hao jumped into the pool and submerged himself, the cool water washing over him.

Before entering the Primordial Grotto Heaven, he had been fighting the Shen Ting Sect, his clothes covered in dirt and grime. Although Ye Zi Yin hadn’t mentioned it, he didn’t want to… soil her.

The chilling water calmed his mind and his body, his thoughts clearing.

Although the image of Ye Zi Yin in that revealing robe still lingered in his mind, the anticipation of their physical contact arousing, he felt more in control now.

He wouldn’t disappoint her.

He saw her as both a teacher and a sister.

Before entering the Primordial Grotto Heaven, he had been a weak and powerless scholar.

Although martial arts existed in this world, he had no one to protect him, no one to guide him.

As a Chinese, witnessing the barbarians’ oppression, the Six Gates’ tyranny, he had felt helpless and alone.

The Primordial Grotto Heaven had changed everything.

Both Ye Zi Yin and Su Mei had helped him, setting him on this path of cultivation.

But perhaps because Ye Zi Yin had protected him from Su Mei’s attack during his first visit, he felt a deeper respect for her.

And he wouldn’t let her see him as anything less than worthy.

He washed himself thoroughly in the pool, then his clothes, putting them back on and drying them with his demonic fire.

He returned to the giant red peony and found Ye Zi Yin waiting.

She still wore the white trousers and the sheer, open robe, her skin pale and luminous, the curves of her breasts clearly visible.

“Sister Zi Yin,” Shi Hao approached her, his gaze respectful, his mind clear.

Seeing his resolve, Ye Zi Yin smiled faintly, a look of approval in her eyes.

He had clearly used that time to calm himself, to regain his composure.

She was pleased. She took his hand, “Let’s go up.”

A gentle force lifted them, and they floated to the top of the giant peony, landing in its center, amidst the soft, velvety stamens.

Ye Zi Yin, holding his hand, sat down, facing him.

Shi Hao sat cross-legged before her, listening intently as she explained the Wedding Dress Divine Art, its principles, its techniques, and its method of energy circulation.

Her robe’s long hem trailed behind her, her posture elegant and composed, her voice soft and clear, “Theoretically, everyone’s energy flow is unique. Even with the same cultivation method, there will be subtle differences.

“Just as humans, although sharing certain characteristics, are all different. Even identical twins have subtle variations.

“But ancient cultivators discovered that if two people could synchronize their energy flows, intertwining them, even when separated, they could still transfer power between them.”

The term “quantum entanglement” flashed through Shi Hao’s mind, but he quickly suppressed it, pushing aside the distracting thoughts and focusing on her words.

Ye Zi Yin continued, “The Wedding Dress Divine Art creates a perfect resonance, a miniature ‘entanglement’, between two people’s energies through physical contact, forming a ‘bridge’ for energy transfer…”

Shi Hao listened, gradually understanding.

During this connection, Ye Zi Yin would be the one guiding the energy flow.

But he also had to play his part, his mind clear, his focus absolute.

Any disruption, any hesitation, and the connection would fail.

Ye Zi Yin looked at him, “Do you understand?”

Shi Hao nodded, “Yes, Sister Zi Yin.”

Knowing his talent and quick wit, she said softly, “Then let’s begin.” She slowly untied her sash and lowered her trousers.

Shi Hao held his breath, her every movement a subtle, yet powerful, seduction.

Her delicate navel was revealed, then the smooth skin below.

The dantian acupoint was located an inch below the navel, but to ensure proper contact, she had to lower her trousers further.

She had never undressed like this before a man, but she knew she couldn’t show any hesitation or embarrassment.

If she couldn’t control herself, he would be even more affected.

She lowered her trousers to two inches below her navel, then looked up at him, her gaze calm and encouraging.

Shi Hao took a deep breath, cleared his mind, and circulated the Sacred Heart Clear Mirror Technique, his thoughts becoming still, his desires suppressed.

He undressed, also lowering his trousers to two inches below his navel, his gaze meeting hers, clear and unwavering.

Seeing his composure, Ye Zi Yin was inwardly pleased.

He was now shirtless, his trousers lowered, just like her.

She opened her robe, its lapels draped over her arms, revealing her breasts, and reached out, taking his hands, pulling him closer.

Shi Hao leaned forward, his body pressing against hers, their Heavenly Pool and dantian acupoints aligned.

She lay on the soft bed of peony stamens, he on top of her.

Her breasts, pressed against his chest, their soft firmness a surprising and delightful sensation, sent a thrill through him, his mind soaring, as if floating among the clouds.

Their dantian acupoints also touched, but due to the curves of their bodies, he had to press down slightly to ensure proper contact.

And inevitably, in this intimate position, he felt a stirring of something else.

Despite his best efforts, his resolve wavered, his mind racing.

Like positive and negative charges meeting, a spark igniting, a force of nature, unavoidable.

He felt a jolt of electricity, a tingling sensation, spreading through him, amplifying his desire.

Control yourself, he thought, Don’t let her see your weakness. She’s your master, your older sister…

And the thought of her being both his master and his lover… only intensified his arousal!

Chapter 211: Phoenix Blood: Heavenly Pond, Sea of Qi!

Shi Hao, his mind calm and focused, raised his sword, its tip pointing towards the sky.

Although he hadn’t moved, his sword intent, powerful and vast, radiated outwards, as if merging with the heavens and the earth.

Ye Zi Yin’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise in their depths, “Impressive.”

Her praise wasn’t because his skill was now comparable to hers, but because, during his last visit, she had just taught him those countless sword techniques in the Celestial Realm.

Only a month had passed in the mortal world, and he had already grasped the essence of sword intent, his understanding of the sword reaching a new level.

Such talent was truly remarkable.

“Be careful, Sister Zi Yin,” Shi Hao said, taking a step forward.

His sword intent surged, and he thrust his sword forward, a seemingly simple and direct attack, yet the trembling tip of his blade hinted at hidden complexities.

And the very space around him seemed to ripple and distort, the power of his attack concentrated at a single point.

A weaker opponent would have been overwhelmed by the sheer force of his aura.

Ye Zi Yin, however, saw that he had combined the Sacred Heart Clear Mirror Technique with his sword intent, amplifying its power, creating a formidable pressure.

She drew her sword, her strength matching his, not exceeding it.

Her movements were graceful and precise. With a flick of her wrist, her sword intercepted his, a single, precise touch just behind the tip of his blade.

His sword, like a snake struck at its vital point, froze mid-strike.

Shi Hao shifted his footwork, twisting his wrist, his sword sliding along hers, deflecting the blow, then continuing its attack.

Ye Zi Yin’s eyes shone with approval. His seemingly straightforward attack had been a feint, a subtle maneuver to redirect her force and create an opening.

Although she had blocked his initial strike, he had anticipated her defense, using it to his advantage.

This move wasn’t from any specific technique, but a spontaneous, intuitive response, a testament to his growing mastery, his understanding of the sword transcending mere forms and techniques.

Their swords clashed, a flurry of motion, dozens of exchanges in an instant.

Despite Shi Hao’s best efforts, he couldn’t break through her defenses.

Her swordsmanship was effortless, fluid, like a brushstroke on silk, each movement imbued with a profound, almost mystical, grace. As the duel continued, her every move seemed to anticipate his, guiding his actions, subtly controlling his responses, his movements becoming increasingly constrained.

He stopped, sighing, “I’m no match for you, Sister Zi Yin.”

Ye Zi Yin sheathed her sword and smiled, “Your progress in such a short time is remarkable. With your current skill, combined with the techniques you learned in the Primordial Grotto Heaven and the power we can lend you, you can face Yi Shenzi, even with the beast’s power.”

She turned and walked towards the waterfall, “Follow me.”

Shi Hao tucked the jade sword into his sash and followed her.

With a wave of her hand, the waterfall parted like a curtain.

They passed through, the water closing behind them, a shimmering curtain of light.

They walked along a narrow path and entered the grotto, its walls adorned with glowing patterns woven from Cave Meditating Grass, the air filled with a faint, ethereal light.

Strange and beautiful plants grew everywhere, and beyond them were the giant peonies, their blossoms as large as houses.

Ye Zi Yin said, “Wait for me here.” Then, with a gentle leap, her figure a blur, she disappeared.

A fragrant breeze, and Shi Hao turned around, his mind reeling.

Ye Zi Yin had changed her clothes.

She now wore white trousers and a thin, almost translucent, white robe.

The robe, open at the front, its two lapels hanging loosely from her shoulders, its long hem trailing behind her, revealed her undergarments beneath.

Traditional women’s attire consisted of three main styles: the shenyi, the zhequn, and the ruqun.

The shenyi was a long, flowing robe, wrapped around the body, its lapels crossed over the chest, the hem reaching the ankles, concealing the figure completely.

It was designed for modesty and practicality.

Ancient women, when wearing a shenyi, either didn’t wear trousers or wore open-crotch pants, since the robe itself concealed everything.

The ruqun, however, consisted of a separate top and skirt. The skirt was loose and flowing, allowing for greater freedom of movement, while the top could be worn in various styles, open at the neck, or with crossed or overlapping lapels.

During the early Sheng Dynasty, the ruqun’s top was often tight-fitting, accentuating the figure.

But now, the tops were generally looser, worn over undergarments and chest coverings, concealing the body more effectively, less revealing than during the Sheng Dynasty.

The zhequn, also a two-piece garment, its top longer than a typical ruqun, sometimes even longer than a shenyi, was open at the front, requiring undergarments and trousers to avoid exposure.

Ye Zi Yin, however, wore trousers but no under-robe beneath her zhequn, its sheer, embroidered silk lapels barely concealing her breasts, her figure, her delicate waist and curves, clearly visible.

Her Daoist bun was also undone, her long, black hair cascading down her back, enhancing her beauty.

At this moment, she looked less like a powerful martial artist and more like a beautiful young wife waiting for her husband’s return.

Shi Hao stared at her, captivated, his mind blank, unable to even process the question of why she had changed.

Ye Zi Yin explained, “The Wedding Dress Divine Art has two applications. One is transferring your cultivated essence, either your Daoist internal elixir or your demonic source, to another person. This is often a life-or-death sacrifice, and the recipient can’t fully absorb the transferred energy.

“Since an internal elixir or a demonic source is cultivated through years of dedicated practice, it carries the cultivator’s unique imprint. And demonic sources are connected to the Demonic Realm. Forcefully transferring them can attract Yin Demons. This kind of transference can have serious consequences for the recipient, either causing irreparable damage or requiring the recipient to disperse their own foundation, turning it into a raw, undifferentiated energy that offers only a temporary boost.

“Like when you absorbed the True Dragon energy. Although it increased your power, it wasn’t your own, and your foundation was unstable.”

Shi Hao, his gaze fixed on the curves of her body, barely concealed by the sheer fabric, nodded absently.

He thought that Yuejiao must have received Madam Demonic Vine’s demonic source, which explained her sudden increase in power, her advancement to the sixth rank.

But that demonic source was likely corrupted by Yin Demons. Yuejiao was showing signs of demonic affliction, and he wasn’t sure how much of her soul had been affected.

If it was just her Po, her consciousness, it was less serious, although her personality and her perception of the world would still be twisted and distorted.

But if her Hun, her life essence, was also affected, then a part of her was already… gone.

And the Wedding Dress Divine Art’s transference of energy likely had similar risks.

Otherwise, powerful martial arts families could simply pass down their cultivated essence through generations, creating an endless supply of experts.

But almost no one used this method.

That old woman hadn’t intended to simply transfer her power to Yuejiao, but to completely possess her, sacrificing her own dying body, a desperate act that had been interrupted by Hou Bomin and Xiang Gu.

And although Yuejiao’s power had increased, it was a dangerous gain… With her talent and background, she could have reached the mid-ranks eventually through normal cultivation.

Ye Zi Yin continued, “The other application is for a powerful cultivator to temporarily lend their power to another.”

Shi Hao thought of the term “replenishing magic.”

Ye Zi Yin said softly, “But this connection requires… physical contact.”

Shi Hao’s eyes widened. Was this really… “replenishing magic”?

Ye Zi Yin, maintaining a serious demeanor to prevent any further… misunderstandings, continued, “Technically, the connection should be between the solar plexus and the dantian acupoints, but since I’m a woman, it’s not convenient for us to… connect directly. The Tian Chi (Heavenly Pool) acupoints on the chest are close to the solar plexus, so we’ll use those, along with the dantian, three points of contact.

“Then, by circulating our energy, we can create a resonance between our solar plexus and dantian acupoints, allowing our powers to flow and merge.”

Shi Hao, his gaze lingering on the curve of her breasts, the delicate valley between them, thought that connecting their solar plexus acupoints directly would indeed be… challenging.

His gaze drifted downwards, towards the embroidered lapels of her robe, barely concealing her breasts… the Heavenly Pool acupoints.

And then lower, her white trousers, pulled high on her waist, concealing her navel… the dantian was located below the navel.

He suddenly wondered… was Yi Shenzi actually a good guy?

A seemingly evil demon, but secretly a matchmaker sent by heaven?

Sensing his gaze, the beautiful immortal blushed slightly, a rare display of vulnerability.

Connecting at the Heavenly Pool acupoints on both sides of the chest and the dantian below… what kind of position would that require?

Chapter 210: Phoenix Blood: The Phoenix’s Cry at Mount Qi

Shi Hao couldn’t help but ask, “What’s in there?”

Su Mei glanced at the Holy Jade Immortal, “Ask her. Since she knows the true purpose of phoenix blood, she should also know what it suppresses.”

Shi Hao looked at Ye Zi Yin, who sighed softly, “A ferocious beast.”

“A ferocious beast?” Shi Hao asked, puzzled.

Su Mei said, “When the Melting Sun Demon Lord connected this world to the underworld at the chasm beneath the Scripture Bestowal Platform, he opened a passage to a place where an ancient beast was sealed.”

“You don’t need to know the details about this beast. It’s too early for you. But phoenix blood can suppress it. I gave the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl to Yi Shenzi, not just to save his life, but to use it against this beast.”

“Now, it’s clear that without the pearl, Yi Shenzi is drawing upon the beast’s power. That’s why he’s so strong.”

Shi Hao said, his head aching, “Then what should we do?”

Ye Zi Yin pondered, “For a beast to possess a human is not easy. From what you’ve described, Yi Shenzi was resisting its influence until he lost the pearl and his sect was destroyed. That pushed him over the edge.

“If we could leave, we could easily kill him. But we’re trapped here. You’ll have to face him yourself.”

Shi Hao said, “But I’m no match for him. We had three fourth-rank experts and several others at the fifth and sixth ranks, and we were still defeated. Even the Poisonous Sunflower Sect’s two elders were killed by him. I’m much weaker than them.”

Su Mei chuckled, “That’s not a problem. Phoenix blood can suppress that beast, or rather, the phoenix itself can suppress it…”

Shi Hao said, “Speaking of which, when I first touched the pearl, I saw a vision.”

He described the image of the phoenix perched on a mountain, looking down at him.

Su Mei, surprised, said, “Really?” She took the pearl from him and looked at it thoughtfully, “I’ve handled this pearl before, but I’ve never seen any visions.”

Ye Zi Yin looked at Shi Hao, “It might not be just a vision. Do you know who the last person was to dream of a phoenix?”

Shi Hao asked, “Who?”

Ye Zi Yin said, “King Wen of Zhou. According to our Taisu Immortal Pavilion’s records, he dreamt of a phoenix singing on Mount Qi.”

Shi Hao knew the legend of the “Phoenix’s Cry at Mount Qi,” but it was a memory from his previous life.

And although he had read many books since arriving in this world, he hadn’t encountered that story here.

If he had, he would have answered her question.

He couldn’t just tell her about legends from another world.

It seemed this world also had its own “Phoenix’s Cry at Mount Qi” legend, but unlike his previous world, this world had real phoenixes.

And this event was clearly a closely guarded secret, which explained why he hadn’t encountered it in any ordinary books. Ye Zi Yin had only learned about it from the Taisu Immortal Pavilion’s secret archives.

She continued, “The phoenix is a being of great power and mystery. There’s only one, and it rarely appears, perhaps once or twice in a millennium.

“If you truly saw a phoenix, it might mean… it’s about to appear.”

Shi Hao asked, “What happens when a phoenix appears?”

Su Mei smiled, “It usually means a ferocious beast has also appeared. And when a beast appears, it’s a sign of dark times. The phoenix appears to suppress the beast. If it succeeds, a new era of peace and prosperity might follow.

“But that’s not important.”

Shi Hao asked, “Not important?” It seemed incredibly important.

Ye Zi Yin nodded, “The appearance of these creatures, whether beast or phoenix, is beyond our control. They exist outside the realm of human affairs, following their own rules.

“So, instead of worrying about that, focus on Yi Shenzi. He’s clearly drawing upon the beast’s power, but you have the phoenix blood. In that sense, you’re evenly matched.”

Shi Hao said helplessly, “But he has the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, empowered by the Thunder Venerable divine crystal. We injured him earlier, when his connection to the beast wasn’t as strong, but he healed instantly.

“And I can sense his power growing, not just the beast’s power, but also the power of the Thunder Venerable.”

Su Mei smiled, “You’re mistaken. Although the Primordial Yellow Dao Body is powerful, you used the Sui Marquis Pearl against it, neutralizing its yang poison. It’s no longer as effective.

“It’s the beast’s power that’s healing him.”

Ye Zi Yin said, “I can use the phoenix blood, combined with the materials here in the grotto heaven, to create a weapon that can injure him, preventing him from healing. So the key is, can you… significantly injure him?”

Shi Hao, looking at them, said honestly, “I’m no match for him.” He had no other choice but to ask for their help.

Ye Zi Yin said softly, “Although we can’t leave the Primordial Grotto Heaven, we can lend you our strength.”

Shi Hao asked, surprised, “Your strength?”

Su Mei chuckled, “The Primordial Grotto Heaven exists above the mortal realm. With proper preparation, we can channel our energy downwards, lending you our power. There’s even a martial arts technique called the ‘Wedding Dress Divine Art’ specifically for this purpose.

“But there are two problems. Firstly, you cultivate both Daoist and demonic arts. If we only lend you one type of energy, it will disrupt the balance within you. My demonic energy would destroy your Daoist foundation, and her Daoist energy would destroy your demonic source.

“Either way, you would die. So, we have to lend you our power simultaneously, maintaining the balance…”

She paused, and Shi Hao quickly asked, “And the second problem?”

Su Mei placed the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl back in his hand, glanced at Ye Zi Yin, and smiled, “Ask her.”

She gently pinched his cheek and whispered, “I’ll leave you to her now. Perhaps you’ll soon realize I’m the one who truly cares about you.” She picked up Little Emerald and, with a giggle, floated away.

Shi Hao, puzzled, looked at Ye Zi Yin.

Ye Zi Yin, ignoring Su Mei’s obvious attempt to create discord, said softly, “Follow me.”

---

Shi Hao followed her towards the waterfall.

From behind, her tall, slender figure, her white robe flowing around her like a flower, her waist slender, her movements graceful, she seemed like a celestial being, about to ascend to the heavens at any moment.

Her beauty was otherworldly, captivating, a vision to be admired from afar, not touched, a fleeting glimpse a blessing.

They passed through the ruins, past the tilted jade pillar, and reached the waterfall, its water cascading from an unseen source, forming a pool within the ruins. The water’s surface, smooth as a mirror, reflected the sky above, a mesmerizing blend of heaven and earth.

A sword lay on a rock by the pool’s edge, carved from the jade of the Primordial Grotto Heaven, the sword she had created for him during his previous visit, when she had taught him the Six Immortal Lightning Strikes.

Ye Zi Yin said, “Su Mei and I can enhance your power, but your martial arts skills depend on your own understanding. If your skills are lacking, you won’t be able to defeat Yi Shenzi.

“Let’s see how much your swordsmanship has improved.”

Shi Hao straightened his back, “I now understand what ‘sword intent’ is, Sister Zi Yin.”

Seeing his confidence, Ye Zi Yin smiled faintly, “Show me.” She tapped her toe, and the jade sword on the rock leaped into the air, landing in Shi Hao’s hand.

The rock had been beside him, and Ye Zi Yin had been several feet away.

Yet, with a simple gesture, without any visible use of force, the sword had flown to him.

Such effortless control was incredible.

Shi Hao’s understanding of martial arts had deepened. He had faced many powerful opponents during his travels.

He knew this subtle display of power was far more impressive than Yi Shenzi’s brute force and flashy techniques. He couldn’t even sense how she had done it with his Primordial Energy.

And she had deliberately done this, showcasing her skill, her mastery, before their sparring session.

Building momentum… she had taught him that herself.

Chapter 209: Phoenix Blood: Return to the Grotto Heaven!

Space shattered around him again, fragmenting into countless shimmering shards, thin as cicada wings.

Shi Hao, holding the doll, fell through the endless darkness.

Then, blue and purple lights appeared, swirling and merging, the darkness receding as space reassembled itself, a tunnel of light forming around him, a familiar sensation.

He landed gracefully.

The shadowy figure that had been pursuing him also entered, but a wave of flame erupted, effortlessly dispelling it.

“What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?” Su Mei’s melodious laughter echoed.

She sat on a piece of jade, her crimson robe flowing around her, her hair styled in a beautiful bun, her demeanor relaxed and languid.

She extended a finger, and with a flick of her wrist, the swirling flames converged, forming a small, flickering flame at her fingertip.

“Master!” Little Emerald cried joyfully, flying towards her.

Su Mei, catching the doll in her arms, smiled, “You followed him again?”

On the other side, Ye Zi Yin stood, her skin as white as snow, her figure tall and slender, her white robe, embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, fluttering gently, as if she could ascend to the heavens at any moment.

Shi Hao exhaled slowly, “Yi Shenzi.”

“Yi Shenzi?” Ye Zi Yin’s brow furrowed slightly, “I remember him. The leader of the Shen Ting Sect. I cut him in half, and he fell into the chasm beneath the Scripture Bestowal Platform. He should be dead.”

Shi Hao instinctively glanced at Su Mei.

Ye Zi Yin’s gaze also shifted to Su Mei, her voice turning cold, “What have you done?”

Su Mei smiled, “I left the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl there, for Yi Shenzi. It kept him alive.”

Ye Zi Yin’s eyebrows rose as she glared at Su Mei.

Su Mei, stroking the doll in her lap, said nonchalantly, “Are you going to attack me? I’m not afraid.”

After centuries of rivalry, they were still evenly matched, their strengths and weaknesses well-known to each other.

Ye Zi Yin snorted and turned to Shi Hao, her voice softening, “What happened?”

Shi Hao recounted the events since his last visit, starting with the appearance of the Taisu Immortal Pavilion descendant and the reunification of the three Evil Lotus factions, then his efforts in the Ba Mountains, his fight against the Hanyang Gang, which turned out to be just a pawn in a larger scheme. Despite his best efforts, he had only managed to maintain a stalemate between the Ba Mountains and the Hanyang River factions.

Then, he told them about his journey to the Demonic Qilin’s Lair at Changbai Mountain.

Ye Zi Yin glanced at Su Mei and snorted, “That place was originally called the Immortal Qilin’s Blessed Land, a place where Daoist cultivators grew immortal ingredients. The people who lived there were called the ‘immortal folk.’

“But after that woman united the demonic sects, she secretly destroyed the ‘heavenly staircase’ that led to the Blessed Land, allowing the Ghost Extreme Sect to slaughter the immortal folk and imprison their souls. Someone in the Daoist sects discovered this and informed the Taisu Immortal Pavilion. That’s why I went there, killed those demonic cultivators, eliminated the Black Blood Crimson Serpent they were cultivating, and used the Sui Marquis Pearl to create a barrier, suppressing the demonic energy.”

“If you used the Sacred Heart Clear Mirror Technique there, the Sui Marquis Pearl would have been drawn to you.”

Shi Hao whispered, “But there was also a Black Blood Crimson Serpent there.”

Su Mei chuckled, “I left an egg there. It must have hatched.”

Ye Zi Yin’s expression remained unchanged. She wouldn’t be surprised by anything Su Mei did.

Shi Hao then told them about the old woman’s trap, how he had absorbed the Demonic Qilin Blood Poison, lost his memory, and inadvertently merged his Daoist and demonic energies.

As he finished, Ye Zi Yin, like a gentle breeze, floated to his side and took his wrist, her fingers cool against his skin, a faint fragrance emanating from her.

“Indeed,” she said, her voice filled with surprise, “Your Daoist and demonic energies have merged.”

Su Mei also floated over and took his other wrist.

Shi Hao, his hands held by the two women, felt a strange sense of… completeness, as if they were his wings.

But he was also worried they might start fighting and tear him apart.

Su Mei chuckled, “Your demonic source and Daoist internal elixir are still distinct, but their energies are intertwined within your meridians. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s similar to the primordial energy in this grotto heaven.”

“Primordial energy?” Shi Hao asked.

Su Mei said, “The energy here is different from the outside world. Your cultivation isn’t high enough to sense it yet. It’s neither yin nor yang, a pure and balanced fusion of opposing forces.

“Although formed from two distinct energies, it’s incredibly pure, like a taiji symbol, two opposing colors forming a perfect whole. The energy within you, a fusion of Daoist and demonic energies, is similar to the primordial energy here.”

Ye Zi Yin said softly, “It seems that mishap was a blessing in disguise. When you left last time, the True Dragon energy had forcibly enhanced your cultivation, and I was worried about your unstable foundation. Now, however, your energies have merged, your foundation stabilized.”

She took his hand, “You look tired. You must have been through a lot. Let’s go and sit down,” leading him away.

Su Mei also took his hand, “Come and sit with me,” and tried to pull him in the opposite direction.

Shi Hao, pulled in two directions, quickly said, “It’s alright. I’ll just stand here.” He had a sudden, disturbing image of them each taking half of him and walking away.

And for some reason, it seemed… plausible.

The Holy Jade Immortal and Su Mei exchanged glances, and for a moment, Shi Hao thought they were about to fight over him.

But they both snorted and released his hands.

He wondered if they had also had that… disturbing vision.

Su Mei chuckled, “Then let’s sit here. So, you went to Wu Gorge?” She sat down on the ground.

Shi Hao and Ye Zi Yin also sat down. Shi Hao said, “Many things happened in Wu Gorge…”

He told them about the Shen Ting Sect’s Thunder Sound Universal Transformation Array, the threat to the mountain ghosts, the Poisonous Sunflower Sect’s scheme, and his forced alliance with them.

He then said, his voice filled with frustration, “I don’t understand. We stopped the Shen Ting Sect, disrupted their array, and even forced the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl out of the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, but Yi Shenzi still returned, his power even greater than before.”

He muttered, “It doesn’t make sense. The spiritual energy was dispersed. He didn’t absorb it. And Little Demonic Mother used the Sui Marquis Pearl to disrupt the fusion. According to her, the Dao Body was a vessel of yang poison, while Yi Shenzi’s soul, infused with the pearl’s yin poison, should have been neutralized by the pearl, preventing the possession. He should have been destroyed.

“But he returned, even stronger than before, without the pearl or the spiritual energy, and with their array disrupted. What was he doing all that time?”

The Holy Jade Immortal glanced at Su Mei, her voice cold, “That woman must have made other arrangements.”

Shi Hao also looked at Su Mei… That’s what he suspected as well.

There was clearly more to the Melting Sun Demonic Abyss than they knew.

Su Mei, however, smiled, “Don’t blame me. I had nothing to do with it. In fact, you should be thanking me. If it weren’t for me, Wu Gorge would have been destroyed long ago.”

She looked at Shi Hao, “So, you have the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl?”

Shi Hao took it out.

The Holy Jade Immortal, looking at the blood-red pearl in his hand, her eyes widening slightly, said, “Phoenix blood?”

Su Mei giggled, “That’s right. The Black Phoenix Poison Pearl is actually phoenix blood. The Poisonous Sunflower Sect obtained it long ago, but they didn’t know its true purpose, thinking it was just a powerful poison.

“Then I killed their leader, and they surrendered, so the pearl became mine. During that incident in Wu Gorge, your little wife…”

She pointed at the Holy Jade Immortal, whose face remained cold and impassive.

Su Mei continued, “…destroyed the Shen Ting Sect and killed Yi Shenzi, but she didn’t bother checking the Melting Sun Demonic Abyss, leaving behind a hidden danger. I simply… cleaned up her mess.”

The Holy Jade Immortal said calmly, “The Melting Sun Demonic Abyss is filled with demonic energy. I’m a Daoist cultivator. I couldn’t enter.”

Su Mei sneered, “You could have, but it would have weakened you, and you were more concerned about our duel.”

The Holy Jade Immortal’s expression remained unchanged.

Chapter 208: Beast Calamity: Moon Over Wu Gorge!

Yi Shenzi stomped his right foot, the marble floor cracking under the force, sending debris flying upwards.

The Parting Hook, however, held firm, its barbed tip digging deeper into his thigh, refusing to let go.

Xiang Gu, seeing her hook couldn’t sever his leg, quickly retreated, leaving it to struggle against his flesh.

Hou Bomin, also sensing danger, pulled back his chain.

Blood sprayed from Yi Shenzi’s back.

Shi Hao’s sword had struck, leaving a long, deep gash.

It wasn’t a special sword.

He had taken it from Zhao Gucheng, the Sword King, after burying him.

Just an ordinary iron sword, the kind you could buy in any village with a blacksmith for a few taels of silver.

The Sword King had used it to kill many, all villains and evildoers.

Now, Shi Hao wielded it, his sword intent – “righteousness” – infused within.

His strike, perfectly timed, had caught Yi Shenzi off guard.

The wound on his back was deep and long.

But Shi Hao could still feel a powerful force within Yi Shenzi, preventing the blade from penetrating any deeper.

And his power was still growing.

“Go!” Shi Hao shouted, retreating.

They all knew this was an enemy they couldn’t defeat.

They fled as Yi Shenzi struggled against the Parting Hook, his laughter, arrogant and unrestrained, echoing through the cavern, the earth trembling, the rocks above crumbling.

The cavern was collapsing.

They ran, the shadowy figure behind Yi Shenzi growing larger, his human form seeming to fade, his laughter turning into a bestial roar.

Yi Shenzi, his foot stomping on the broken Parting Hook, laughed, his aura a terrifying mix of rage, malice, and demonic power, threatening to shatter the very heavens.

Lightning crackled around them, the air thick with electricity, trapping them in a cage of fear.

Yi Shenzi, his movements like lightning, soared into the air, pursuing them.

He caught up to the Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable first.

The Poison Venerable, already injured by the Thunder King’s final, desperate attack, a palm strike infused with lightning, his internal injuries aggravated by his recent fight, his arm broken by Yi Shenzi, was the slowest, the weakest.

Hearing the sound of pursuit, he looked back in terror.

Yi Shenzi, his white robe billowing, his aura terrifying, descended upon him.

Before the Poison Venerable could even react, Yi Shenzi struck, his body exploding, blood, bone, and flesh splattering against the cavern walls.

The Purple Robe Evil Venerable, his face contorted in rage, roared and charged towards Yi Shenzi, his attack desperate and suicidal.

He had nothing left to lose.

All his men were dead, and now, even the Poison Venerable had been killed before his eyes.

He couldn’t face returning to his sect in defeat.

Even demonic cultivators, driven to the brink, had their pride, their loyalty.

Explosions and the Purple Robe Evil Venerable’s furious roars echoed from below.

Shi Hao and the others continued their ascent, reaching the third level, when a loud boom came from below, followed by the sound of rapid pursuit.

Shi Hao looked back. Hou Bomin, Du Yuejiao, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady had all fallen behind.

Although Hou Bomin was the most experienced, his cultivation was the weakest.

And Du Yuejiao, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady were still recovering from Yi Shenzi’s earlier attack.

Seeing Yi Shenzi closing in on them, Shi Hao, flipping in mid-air, his sword pointed downwards, unleashed a swift, powerful strike.

“Fool!” he shouted, his sword intent like a dragon’s roar.

Yi Shenzi, injured by Shi Hao’s earlier attacks, and enraged by his defiance, abandoned his other pursuers and turned to face him.

A resounding boom, and Shi Hao’s sword shattered.

“Brother Shi!” “Young Master!” Du Yuejiao, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady cried out.

But Shi Hao, using the force of the impact, was propelled upwards, escaping.

“Fool! Do you dare face me up there?!” he shouted, his voice a challenge.

Yi Shenzi, laughing, the shadowy figure within him writhing, its demonic aura filling the cavern, roared and followed him, his speed incredible.

The others were left behind.

“Young Master?” Sha Lingshan exclaimed, seeing them ascend, and quickly followed.

Shi Hao, ignoring his exhaustion, flew upwards, the wind whipping past him, the roar of pursuit growing louder, the chilling killing intent pressing down on him.

He cleared his mind, focusing only on escape, reaching the second level, then the first.

He kicked off a stone pillar, sending it crashing down, and emerged from the chasm, landing on the surface.

Yi Shenzi, caught off guard by the falling debris, unleashed a burst of energy, sending rocks and dust flying.

His roar shattered the remaining fragments into dust.

A swirling vortex of energy erupted beneath his feet, propelling him upwards.

He landed on the surface and looked up, seeing the young man still ascending.

Yi Shenzi, his lips curled into a sinister smile, unleashed a barrage of dark energy projectiles.

“Little Emerald!” Shi Hao shouted, his upward momentum fading.

The doll materialized on his shoulder, its small hands creating a gust of wind that lifted him higher. He grabbed Little Emerald, using the wind to continue his ascent.

The mountain was a desolate wasteland, its forests destroyed, its creatures gone.

Only the full moon, a perfect silver disc in the sky, remained, its light illuminating the ravaged landscape.

The world below, bathed in moonlight, was a silvery white.

In the outside world, it was a night of celebration, of family reunions.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival… a time of joy and togetherness.

And Shi Hao, his figure silhouetted against the moon, a solitary figure in the vastness of the night, held a smooth, round jade stone, as perfect and luminous as the moon itself.

He raised the stone, its surface shimmering in the moonlight.

The fifteenth day of the eighth month, the night of the full moon.

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

Chapter 207: Beast Calamity: Unleashed!

Sha Lingshan’s attacks were swift and unpredictable, her fan creating swirling gusts of wind, sharp as blades, their movements confusing and disorienting.

Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, their soft swords intertwined, their movements perfectly synchronized, struck like venomous snakes, their blades darting towards Yi Shenzi’s vital points.

Suddenly, a booming sound, like a thunderclap, erupted from within Yi Shenzi’s body.

A wave of force shot upwards, shattering the rocks above.

Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady felt a surge of energy, like a blast of lightning, overwhelming their defenses, throwing them backwards.

Even Sha Lingshan, a fourth-rank expert, knew that if she was caught in that blast, she would die.

“Retreat!” she shouted, leaping back, her fan swirling, creating three small vortexes of energy that deflected the incoming force.

If even their Branch Leader couldn’t withstand it, Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady didn’t dare hesitate, retreating as they continued their attack, trying to dissipate the energy.

As they retreated, Du Yuejiao, Hou Bomin, and Xiang Gu attacked, keeping the pressure on Yi Shenzi, preventing him from recovering his energy.

He was incredibly powerful. They had to keep him off balance, prevent him from unleashing his full strength.

Even his casual attacks were devastating. What would happen if he used a high-level technique?

After a brief but fierce assault, they retreated.

The Purple Robe Evil Venerable and the Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable, having recovered, attacked, unleashing their most powerful techniques.

Yi Shenzi deflected their attacks, then faced another wave of Poisonous Sunflower Sect martial artists.

Shi Hao, however, didn’t join the fight. He was observing.

And the more he watched, the more alarmed he became.

Extending his Primordial Energy, sensing Yi Shenzi’s energy flow, he saw a shadowy figure, like a monstrous creature, swirling within him, growing larger with every attack.

Yi Shenzi, instead of weakening, seemed to be drawing strength from their attacks, his power growing, his aura becoming more and more menacing.

The Primordial Yellow Dao Body, originally a handsome young man, his features now contorted in a grimace, his eyes blazing, looked more like a demon than a human.

“Is that all you have?” Yi Shenzi laughed, his voice filled with arrogance.

With a flicker, he appeared among the Poisonous Sunflower Sect warriors, two of them exploding into bloody mist as he struck.

The two Venerables and Sha Lingshan were stunned… They had been attacking him relentlessly, giving him no time to recover, yet his power, instead of waning, had increased.

It was bizarre, illogical, impossible.

Only nine Poisonous Sunflower Sect martial artists remained.

This battle had been costly for both the Shen Ting Sect and the Poisonous Sunflower Sect.

But they had sacrificed too much to retreat now.

Another explosion echoed from within Yi Shenzi, as if a gate had opened.

The two Venerables were thrown back by the force of the blast.

Yi Shenzi, seemingly unaffected by their attacks, charged forward, unleashing four punches that sent four more Poisonous Sunflower Sect members flying, their bodies exploding. Red Scorpion, Poison Crow, and Lü Shijun attacked simultaneously.

Yi Shenzi deflected Poison Crow and Lü Shijun’s poisoned blades with two fingers, then, his fist punching through Red Scorpion’s whip, grabbed her chest, his fingers digging into her flesh.

He laughed, his hand transforming into a claw, and ripped out her heart.

Poison Crow and Lü Shijun, their blood running cold at this gruesome display, their attacks faltered.

Yi Shenzi’s fists, like hammers, crashed down on their heads.

His right hand still clutched Red Scorpion’s heart, which exploded against Lü Shijun’s skull, spraying blood and gore.

Their heads exploded like melons.

The five remaining Poisonous Sunflower Sect martial artists hesitated, afraid to approach.

Shi Hao, however, attacked.

His sword, an extension of his arm, its tip aimed at Yi Shenzi’s back, its energy radiating outwards.

Yi Shenzi turned and attacked.

Shi Hao’s sword flickered, its movements a blur, seemingly ignoring Yi Shenzi’s attack.

But Yi Shenzi’s movements faltered.

With Shi Hao’s attack, Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, Peach Blossom Lady, and Du Yuejiao also joined the fight.

They quickly realized that although Yi Shenzi was still powerful, his strength seemed to be… suppressed.

After a brief but fierce exchange, they retreated.

The two Venerables attacked again.

Yi Shenzi’s aura weakened slightly.

Although Red Scorpion, Poison Crow, and Lü Shijun were dead, and only five Poisonous Sunflower Sect members remained, with Shi Hao’s presence, Yi Shenzi was no longer as dominant.

And Shi Hao’s fighting style was… strange.

He circled Yi Shenzi, his sword never fully striking, its tip always pointed towards him, a constant, subtle threat, its distance never changing, its angle always adjusting, mirroring Yi Shenzi’s movements.

His sword intent, although restrained, was a constant pressure, keeping Yi Shenzi off balance.

None of them understood the purpose of this strange tactic, but it was clearly effective.

In fact, Shi Hao himself wasn’t entirely sure it would work.

He had sensed a shadowy, monstrous figure attached to Yi Shenzi, its form fluid and ever-changing, yet connected to him at a single point.

His sword intent was focused on that point.

He wasn’t sure if it would work, but he had to do something, or they would all die.

It seemed his intuition had been correct. This shadowy figure was somehow empowering Yi Shenzi.

Sensing Yi Shenzi’s weakened state, the two Venerables, Sha Lingshan, Du Yuejiao, Plum Blossom Lady, Peach Blossom Lady, Hou Bomin, Xiang Gu, and the five remaining Poisonous Sunflower Sect members attacked relentlessly, their combined assault draining his energy, his power fluctuating.

With a sharp whistle, Du Yuejiao’s sword pierced Yi Shenzi’s left arm.

It was their first successful strike.

Yi Shenzi roared, his palm striking outwards.

Du Yuejiao, pulling back her sword, retreated as a wave of force slammed into her. Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady, their swords flashing, tried to shield her, but the impact threw all three of them backwards, their internal energy disrupted. Plum Blossom Lady and Peach Blossom Lady stumbled, while Du Yuejiao, crashing into a stone pillar, rolled on the ground, coughing up blood.

The others, however, didn’t hesitate, continuing their attack.

The two Venerables and Sha Lingshan, their attacks relentless, kept the pressure on Yi Shenzi, whose strength, suppressed by Shi Hao, was waning.

The Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable struck him with his palm, the poison entering his body through the wound.

Another blow from the Purple Robe Evil Venerable, and the sound of cracking bone echoed as several of Yi Shenzi’s ribs broke.

Sha Lingshan, her fan like a blade, deflected his counterattack, creating an opening for the others.

The five remaining Poisonous Sunflower Sect members struck, their swords and sabers finding their marks.

Yi Shenzi’s body was covered in wounds.

He roared again, a powerful wave of force erupting outwards.

One of the attackers, caught in the blast, was thrown back, his body mangled, dead.

The others dodged and weaved, their attacks relentless.

Yi Shenzi was clearly weakening.

“This is all your fault!” he roared, his hair flying wildly, his blood-soaked body steaming.

The Purple Robe Evil Venerable unleashed a powerful palm strike, his full strength behind it.

Yi Shenzi blocked the attack, and with a resounding boom, the Purple Robe Evil Venerable staggered back, coughing up blood.

The Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable, drawing a poisoned saber, pierced through Yi Shenzi’s defenses.

Yi Shenzi, however, with three swift palm strikes, deflected the attack, the second strike stopping the blade, the third shattering it, the Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable’s arm snapping with a sickening crack.

Yi Shenzi, his aura surging, grabbed two of the attackers, their heads colliding with a sickening thud, their skulls cracking.

He reached out, and Sha Lingshan, not daring to face him, quickly retreated.

He snapped another martial artist’s neck and then pierced the last one’s heart.

The Purple Robe Evil Venerable watched in horror and rage, his men all dead.

Shi Hao was also alarmed… his suppression technique was no longer effective.

He sensed the shadowy figure merging with Yi Shenzi, its influence spreading.

The single point of contact that he had been targeting was now a vast area, and Yi Shenzi’s power, no longer restrained, surged.

His roar, “This is all your fault!”, wasn’t just a threat, but a cry of despair, of surrender… He was giving up on something.

His aura intensified, his killing intent exploding, his voice a mixture of human rage and bestial fury.

A rattling sound, and an iron chain wrapped around his arms.

A small figure rolled on the ground, and a hook snagged his right leg.

The Parting Hook.

Yi Shenzi roared again, a booming sound from within his body.

Shi Hao sensed the shadowy figure expanding further, merging with him completely.

Xiang Gu’s hook, which should have severed his leg, couldn’t penetrate his defenses.

But the Parting Hook, itself a demonic artifact, as if angered by its failure, seemed to come alive, its hook, like a venomous snake, coiling around his leg—

Chapter 206: Beast Calamity: The Phoenix Appears!

As Little Demonic Mother reached out with the Sui Marquis Pearl, the Primordial Yellow Dao Body’s eyes, glowing with a menacing light, fixed on her hand.

The electrical energy had converged to within inches of the Dao Body.

Its gaze, filled with a terrifying power, seemed to pierce her mind, her heart pounding in her chest, her body momentarily paralyzed by fear.

The energy pulsed, a hair’s breadth away from the Dao Body.

She pressed the pearl against it.

A wave of force erupted outwards, throwing Little Demonic Mother backwards.

Another explosion, and a brilliant light burst forth from the Dao Body, as if time itself reversed, the concentrated energy expanding outwards, filling the cavern, its eight levels illuminated by the cascading light.

The chaotic energy, like a shower of sparks, permeated the earth and rock, spreading in all directions.

Deep within the mountain, the mountain ghosts, huddled together in fear, suddenly leaped up, their cries filled with excitement.

They, whose lives depended on the mountain’s spiritual energy, could sense its return.

“It’s back,” the white-bearded old man sighed, “They’ve succeeded.”

The Primordial Yellow Dao Body collapsed, and a black shadow, screaming, emerged from it, falling into the demonic abyss below.

A blood-red, teardrop-shaped pearl emerged from the Dao Body and flew outwards.

The Black Phoenix Poison Pearl!

Li Shanwen, the Purple Robe Evil Venerable, leaped forward, the stone beneath his feet cracking, his body a blur as he reached for the pearl.

A wave of energy intercepted him.

He snorted, his iron palm striking outwards.

A loud crash, and he stumbled back.

Sha Lingshan, who had unleashed the attack, also retreated slightly, waving her fan, her voice soft and melodious, “You’re a bit too eager, aren’t you, Evil Venerable?”

Little Demonic Mother, also seeing the pearl, her prize, leaped from a stalactite, her small body a blur as she reached for it.

Another figure, however, also moved, intercepting her – Qiu Shanqing, the Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable.

They clashed, their figures swirling, their attacks swift and deadly, neither able to gain an advantage.

The Black Phoenix Poison Pearl, caught in the crossfire, was knocked away.

“Move aside!” Little Demonic Mother, landing back on the platform, shouted angrily.

The Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable sneered, “That belongs to our Poisonous Sunflower Sect.”

The Poisonous Sunflower Sect martial artists, some heading towards the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, quickly dispatching the two remaining guards, others moving to intercept the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl.

Suddenly, a chain and a hook snaked through the air, followed by a series of clangs and crashes.

Hou Bomin chuckled, “We all risked our lives here. We deserve a share of the spoils.”

He and Xiang Gu blocked the Poisonous Sunflower Sect members, while Plum Blossom Lady, Peach Blossom Lady, and Du Yuejiao, converging on the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl, clashed with Red Scorpion, Poison Crow, and Lü Shijun, respectively.

“Young Master!” The Emerald Beauty appeared, and with a flick of its sleeve, sent the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl flying towards Shi Hao.

Shi Hao caught the small, blood-red, teardrop-shaped pearl. It was translucent, its surface shimmering.

As he held it, his mind reeled, the world around him seeming to recede, and he found himself in a vast, empty space.

Before him stood a towering mountain, a phoenix perched on its peak, its magnificent tail feathers draped over the slopes, its talons gripping the cliff face, its head held high, its gaze fixed on him.

In the vastness of the universe, only he and the phoenix remained.

He stood at the foot of the mountain, feeling small and insignificant, like a speck of dust.

He looked up at the phoenix, which also looked down at him.

It was a magnificent creature, its beauty breathtaking, a symbol of all that was wondrous and powerful in the world.

The phoenix, raising its head, let out a long, melodious cry that echoed through the void, a timeless, eternal sound.

“Young Master?” Little Emerald’s anxious voice brought him back to his senses.

He looked around, and he was back in the cavern, the mountain, the phoenix, gone.

He wasn’t even sure if it had been real, or just a vision, a remnant of the phoenix’s essence within the pearl.

The Poisonous Sunflower Sect martial artists were closing in.

Logically, having obtained the pearl, he should leave now.

Their only objective was the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl. They had it; their mission was complete.

And the Poisonous Sunflower Sect, still needing the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, wouldn’t be able to pursue them with their full force.

But Shi Hao, holding the pearl, looked towards the white jade platform.

And not just him, but everyone else, including those who had been attacking him, also stopped fighting, their gazes fixed on the platform.

Several martial artists had reached the platform, killed the two remaining guards, and now stood beside the Primordial Yellow Dao Body, wary of Little Demonic Mother, who hovered above it, her movements controlled by her supernatural ability.

They looked down, their faces pale with fear.

A sinister, chilling laughter echoed from the depths of the demonic abyss.

The sound, filled with malice and hatred, sent shivers down their spines, as if the very earth beneath them was opening up, swallowing them whole.

“You forced me to do this… you forced me…” A voice, filled with rage and despair, echoed from the abyss, accompanied by a surge of demonic energy.

The temperature plummeted, ice crystals forming on the rocks and spreading outwards.

A powerful, terrifying force, emanating from the depths of the abyss, its aura oppressive.

The demonic energy surged upwards, and with a deafening boom, the white jade platform shattered, the martial artists standing on it exploding into a bloody mist.

Little Demonic Mother was thrown backwards, a hand, emerging from the demonic energy, grabbing her by the throat.

Everyone stared in disbelief… Impossible.

They saw the Primordial Yellow Dao Body rise from the shattered platform, its feet leaving the ground, hovering in mid-air, its posture proud and defiant.

“You forced me to do this!” it said, its hand tightening around Little Demonic Mother’s neck, its eyes blazing, “As long as I, Yi Shenzi, live, the Shen Ting Sect will live! You will all die here today! And tomorrow, the world will pay for your crimes!”

A powerful wind erupted outwards, carrying his voice, his aura, shaking the cavern, the very earth seeming to tremble in fear.

Shi Hao felt a sudden unease, a sense of… wrongness.

Yi Shenzi had returned, his soul possessing the Primordial Yellow Dao Body.

But they had disrupted the Thunder Sound Universal Transformation Array, and he had the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl.

If it was this easy for Yi Shenzi to return, what had the Shen Ting Sect been doing all this time?

Little Demonic Mother struggled, but the hand around her neck was like iron, her eyes wide with fear and desperation.

She couldn’t die, not here!

Shi Hao, holding the Black Phoenix Poison Pearl, watched helplessly as Yi Shenzi’s hand tightened.

“From this day forward, those who obey me will prosper, and those who defy me will die!” Yi Shenzi laughed, his grip tightening.

Little Demonic Mother’s head exploded, her headless body falling into the demonic abyss below.

With a soft splash, her remains disappeared into the swirling darkness.

Yi Shenzi laughed triumphantly, a terrifying aura erupting from him, like a raging beast, its power shaking the cavern, the rocks above crumbling and falling.

The mountain ghosts, deep within the mountain, huddled together, their bodies trembling, a sense of dread filling them, as if the very sky itself was falling.

“Die!” Yi Shenzi flickered, appearing among the martial artists.

He unleashed four palm strikes, and four Poisonous Sunflower Sect members exploded into bloody mist.

Their bodies, completely obliterated… such power, such destructive force.

From the moment he had appeared, effortlessly capturing Little Demonic Mother and crushing her skull, they had known he was powerful.

Now, seeing him kill four people in an instant, they were terrified.

“Attack him together!” Shi Hao and the Purple Robe Evil Venerable shouted simultaneously.

They had to act now, joining forces once again.

This was the strongest opponent they had ever faced.

If they couldn’t defeat him, they would all die here.

The Purple Robe Evil Venerable and the Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable attacked.

Iron palms, like crashing waves, surged forward, layers of demonic energy amplifying their power.

A short blade flashed, a crimson, poisonous aura swirling around it.

Yi Shenzi, however, sneered and flicked his fingers.

A burst of energy met the Purple Robe Evil Venerable’s attack, sending him stumbling backwards, his face pale.

Another burst of energy struck the Crimson Rainbow Poison Venerable’s blade, shattering it, sending him reeling.

Four more martial artists, charging forward, their weapons raised, were struck down instantly, their foreheads pierced by invisible projectiles.

Red Scorpion, Poison Crow, and Lü Shijun, knowing they couldn’t give him time to recover, attacked simultaneously, their whip, saber, and sword, all coated in poison, striking from different angles.

Yi Shenzi sneered again, and with a flick of his sleeve, deflected their attacks, the force of the blow sending them stumbling backwards, their arms numb.

Sha Lingshan, Plum Blossom Lady, and Peach Blossom Lady charged forward…