Nine Transformations of the True Spirit.

When Chen Yuan regained consciousness, he found himself in that strange space, where a mesmerizing, seven-colored mist slowly rose, completely engulfing his soul.

The golden light barrier continued to shrink, clinging tightly to Chen Yuan's body, and cracks appeared, making it seem as if it would shatter completely at any moment.

Chen Yuan was already used to death in the illusion. He only glanced at the golden light barrier before calming down and pondering silently.

Xuan Chenzi was indeed a righteous cultivator who hated evil. After discovering that he was a half-human, half-demon, he decided to kill him.

But as he lay dying, he seemed to hear Xuan Chenzi say something, and judging from his tone, he seemed to regret killing him so hastily.

Could this be the turning point that allowed him to survive?

Chen Yuan had already determined that the illusion was not meant to take his life, but rather to allow him to live on as "Li Xuan".

Each time he died, it was because he deviated from the script planned by the illusion and made the wrong choice.

If Xuan Chenzi's appearance is also part of the script, then he must make the right choice and dispel Xuan Chenzi's murderous intent.

Although Xuan Chenzi hated evil as much as he wanted, he also saved Yu Yan from her clutches. He did not kill her indiscriminately just because she was Yu Yan's furnace, which shows that he was not a ruthless killer.

This person did not regard low-level cultivators as ants. Even when he finally killed someone, it was because he did not truthfully reveal his identity as a half-human, half-demon, and also mentioned the Desolate Valley.

It seems that only by telling the truth can one have a chance to survive.

The experience this body had in Qingyang City was not fake. As long as Xuan Chenzi believed that he had nothing to do with the Desolate Valley, he should be able to avoid this calamity.

Chen Yuan made up his mind and no longer hesitated, returning his mind to his physical body.

When he opened his eyes, he saw the white fox that Yu Yan had transformed into after her death fall from the sky and crash heavily into the valley, stirring up a cloud of dust.

Xuan Chenzi descended in a flash of light, ignoring Yu Yan's corpse, and came to Chen Yuan's side, looking him up and down, frowning as he asked, "Who are you?"

Chen Yuan clasped his hands in a bow, his face full of gratitude: "Junior Li Xuan was forcibly taken as a furnace by this Jade Smoke King. Thank you, senior, for slaying this demon and saving me from this predicament!"

Xuan Chenzi said, "This humble Taoist observes that your aura is dim and your body is weak. You must have been over-absorbed by this Jade Smoke. How could you not be affected by her bewitching arts?"

Chen Yuan looked troubled, and opened his mouth several times as if to speak, but then closed it again.

Seeing this, Xuan Chenzi raised a white eyebrow: "Do you have some hidden story?"

Chen Yuan hesitated and said, "This junior dares not deceive you, senior, but I am also afraid that you will take my life..."

Xuan Chenzi's face showed displeasure: "Don't worry, just tell me! How could I be a person who kills indiscriminately?"

Chen Yuan quickly clasped his hands and bowed: "Senior, please forgive me. However, what happened to me is truly unbelievable. I'm afraid you won't believe me."

"I don't know why I'm not affected by Yu Yan's charm, but I have a guess that it's related to my bloodline."

"This junior is not a pure human cultivator, but... a human-demon hybrid."

"Oh?" Xuan Chenzi was slightly surprised. "What bloodline are you?"

Seeing that he didn't immediately turn hostile, Chen Yuan felt somewhat relieved and continued, "I possess the bloodline of a Golden Dragon, but I don't know its origin. I've only heard Yu Yan mention it, and it seems to be related to some Desolate Valley, but she didn't elaborate..."

"Golden Dragon Bloodline?" Xuan Chenzi's pupils shrank, and he stepped forward, raising his hand to grab Chen Yuan's wrist.

A wisp of true essence surged into Chen Yuan's body. He did not resist and allowed the true essence to circulate in his meridians.

"As expected of the Golden Dragon bloodline, it is so pure, even surpassing the Holy Clan of the Desolate Valley, and it also possesses the aptitude of a Heavenly Spiritual Root..."

Xuan Chenzi's expression shifted, and he muttered to himself for a long time, but he did not kill anyone directly as he had done before.

Chen Yuan knew he had made the right choice, and a great weight was lifted from his heart. His expression was respectful yet tinged with fear, maintaining the proper demeanor of a low-level cultivator facing a Nascent Soul True Person.

Suddenly, Xuan Chenzi raised his head and asked, "Young friend, your surname is Li? How did you become the Jade Smoke Furnace?"

Since Chen Yuan has chosen to tell the truth, he will not hide anything.

He then recounted in detail how this body came to be a beggar, and how it came to Yuping Mountain through the help of Zhang San, Young Master Liu, Yin Baiying, and others.

The only change Chen Yuan made was that he embarked on the path of cultivation after arriving at Jade Screen Mountain, and the cultivation technique he practiced was bestowed upon him by Jade Smoke.

Upon hearing this, Xuan Chenzi stroked his beard and looked Chen Yuan up and down with his eyes, but he was lost in thought.

Chen Yuan dared not disturb them and waited quietly by the side.

Xuan Chenzi's gaze grew increasingly complex. After a long while, he slowly spoke: "Li Xuan... who gave you your name, young friend?"

Chen Yuan replied, "I have no father or mother. I was adopted by my grandfather when I was young and made a living by begging on the street. It should be my grandfather who took me."

Xuan Chenzi sighed softly, a hint of pity in his eyes as he looked at Chen Yuan: "How could an old beggar possibly come up with such a name?"

Chen Yuan's heart stirred, and he asked, "Does Senior know of my background and origins?"

Xuan Chenzi said, "This humble Taoist only has some guesses and dares not speak rashly."

Chen Yuan's eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply: "I hope that you will not hesitate to give me your guidance, senior. I will be eternally grateful!"

Xuan Chenzi shook his head: "If my guess is true, young friend's background is very complicated. Telling you now will be more of a curse than a blessing."

Chen Yuan was somewhat disappointed. He had been trying to figure out the purpose of this illusion, but it remained shrouded in mystery.

If we could find out the origin of this body, we might be able to figure out the script arranged by the illusion, and then find an opportunity to break through this illusion and return our soul to our original self.

However, Xuan Chenzi refused to tell him the truth, and Chen Yuan dared not ask any further questions.

This could very well be part of the illusion's script. If Xuan Chenzi is angered, or if he makes the wrong choice, he will face a fatal calamity. The golden light barrier will shatter, and the seven-colored mist will erode his soul. Then it will be too late for regrets.

Xuan Chenzi pondered for a moment and said, "Life is unpredictable. It is fate that we have met today. Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

Chen Yuan naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity. Without hesitation, he knelt down and kowtowed heavily: "Disciple Li Xuan greets Master!"

Although it was somewhat awkward to kneel before a Nascent Soul cultivator, he was now Li Xuan and could not afford to be disrespectful in the slightest. After kneeling and kowtowing three times, he finally stood up.

Xuan Chenzi smiled and said, "Good disciple, you have excellent aptitude and cultivate both physical and magical abilities. What is even more remarkable is that you have not been tempted by the demoness while in the demon cave and have been able to uphold your original intention."

“In the past, I was focused on cultivation and had never taken on any disciples. From now on, you will be my successor.”

He then instructed Chen Yuan to bury the corpses on the mountain, while he went to collect the Jade Smoke Demon Core.

Chen Yuan did as instructed, digging a large pit on the mountain and burying all the corpses of cultivators and mortals inside.

He took one last look at Yu Yan's body, recalling the intoxicating scenes of their days and nights of passion over the past five years, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

With a flick of his sleeve, Xuan Chenzi separated a wisp of light, carrying Chen Yuan into the sky, and flew northward.

The two traversed desolate mountains and dense forests, arriving within the territory of the Great Qian Dynasty. Below, cities and villages began to appear, and the population grew denser. Xuan Chenzi suddenly spoke up: "Where is Qingyang City?"

Chen Yuan pointed out the direction to him, and Xuan Chenzi turned and stopped in the air above Qingyang City.

He said, "Disciple, now that you have entered the path of immortality, you must sever your ties with the mortal world."

“The likes of Zhang San and Young Master Liu treated you as a plaything when you were young, buying and selling you at will, which has already left a flaw in your heart.”

"Although it is not yet apparent, you are exceptionally talented, and forming your Nascent Soul should not be difficult for you. When you overcome the tribulation of inner demons, these people will surely become a great threat."

"Today you will go and kill these people, and extinguish the seed of evil."

Chen Yuan clasped his hands in greeting and replied, "Disciple obeys."

His true form was a Nascent Soul cultivator, so he naturally wouldn't suffer from demonic possession, but his physical body was a different story.

Xuan Chenzi's consideration is so thorough; it seems he truly regards him as his successor.

Chen Yuan descended, his escape light fading, and he raised his hand to form a hand seal, casting an invisibility spell. Although it was broad daylight, the mortals in the city ignored him.

He headed straight for the general's mansion, making no attempt to conceal his aura. A Qi Refining cultivator rushed out from the deep courtyard of the inner quarters, looking surprised and uncertain, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Senior..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Yuan interrupted him: "I have a grudge against Yin Baiying and have come here today to seek revenge. Get out of my way!"

The Qi Refining cultivator's expression immediately turned ugly: "How could Yin Baiying, a mere mortal, offend a senior like this..."

Chen Yuan's face turned cold: "Don't say another word, or I, Li, will kill you as well."

The conversation between the two disturbed the people in the general's mansion. Some guards and servants approached and shouted questions, but they immediately shut their mouths after seeing the Qi Refining cultivator and Chen Yuan suspended in the air.

Seeing Chen Yuan's intense killing intent, the Qi Refining cultivator dared not speak further and could only retreat to the side, but secretly took out a talisman and crushed it.

Chen Yuan spread his divine sense and saw his actions, but ignored them. He then flew to the courtyard where Yin Baiying lived.

Yin Baiying also heard the commotion and came out of the study. When he saw Chen Yuan, he was shocked and hurriedly bowed: "I did not know that the Immortal Master had arrived. I have failed to greet you properly. May I ask what your orders are?"

Chen Yuan said coldly, "Yin Baiying, do you still recognize me?"

Yin Baiying was taken aback, raised her head, and carefully examined him.

More than a decade has passed, and he has aged considerably, with gray hair and wrinkles on his face.

Suddenly, Yin Baiying's expression changed, and he took two steps back: "You, you are Li Xuan?"

Chen Yuan sneered: "Thanks to you, I, Li, have achieved my current level of cultivation. I have come to repay you!"

He pointed his finger, and a golden blade flew out, as fast as lightning, grazing Yin Baiying's neck, his head flying off, blood gushing out like a fountain.

In the bedroom, a middle-aged woman rushed out, saw Yin Baiying's corpse, and burst into tears. She stumbled and rushed towards Chen Yuan like a madwoman, yelling, "Give me back my husband's life!"

Chen Yuan glanced at her but ignored her. He turned and flew to Yin Ziming's courtyard.

The general's mansion was vast, and Yin Ziming's residence was quite secluded. He heard no noise and was currently in his room engaging in lewd acts with a handsome pageboy in broad daylight.

Chen Yuan didn't waste any words with him. He pointed and a golden light flew out, broke through the window, and beheaded Yin Ziming.

The pageboy, drenched in blood and terrified, screamed and fell off the bed, scrambling out of the house on all fours. Chen Yuan had already left the general's mansion.

He had just flown a short distance from the general's mansion when a streak of light flew out from the backyard of the county government office, shouting, "Who dares to cause trouble in Qingyang City?"

The shout echoed throughout half of Qingyang City, causing immediate chaos on the streets. However, under the pressure of the Foundation Establishment cultivator, the chaos quickly subsided.

The beam of light stopped in front of Chen Yuan, revealing a middle-aged cultivator who glared at him angrily: "You are a cultivator, yet you wantonly slaughter mortals and treat my Tai Su Palace as nothing..."

He was speaking when his expression suddenly changed. He stopped abruptly, looked up at the sky, and pretended to listen intently, his expression shifting.

After a while, he took a deep breath, made way, and bowed to Chen Yuan with clasped hands: "I, Liu, have been impolite. Please forgive me, fellow Daoist."

Chen Yuan knew that Xuan Chenzi had intervened. He nodded slightly, passed by the middle-aged cultivator, and headed straight for the Liu residence.

Young Master Liu and Steward Chai were both in the mansion, but more than ten years had passed and Chen Yuan's appearance had changed so much that neither of them recognized him.

But after Chen Yuan revealed his name, both of them were terrified and begged for mercy.

Chen Yuan showed no mercy, first killing Young Master Liu, and then interrogating Steward Chai about Zhang San's whereabouts.

Manager Chai said mournfully, "Zhang was gambling with someone seven years ago. They got into a fight, and he was stabbed to death by another rogue."

"I was blind back then, please forgive me, Master..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Yuan unleashed a golden blade, severing Steward Chai's head. With a flash of light, he soared into the sky and arrived above the heavens.

He clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Xuan Chenzi, who was waiting there, and said in a deep voice, "Master, your disciple has already killed his enemy and severed ties with the mortal world. I have no regrets."

Xuan Chenzi nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "I am very pleased that you were able to control the hatred in your heart and not kill the innocent. Where is your grandfather buried?"

Chen Yuan's eyes dimmed, and he said in a low voice, "When my grandfather passed away, I had no money for a proper burial. I could only wrap his body in a straw mat and ask someone to take it to a mass grave outside the city in a large cart. I'm afraid it was eaten by wild dogs long ago."

Xuan Chenzi frowned: "In that case, you may offer a distant prayer here to express your feelings, and then leave with your master."

Chen Yuan felt relieved and turned to bow three times towards Qingyang City below.

How could he know where the old beggar was buried? But what fate awaits a beggar after death? Nine times out of ten, his body is dumped in a mass grave.

Xuan Chenzi flicked his sleeve and vanished into the distance, disappearing into the vast darkness.

Ten days later, Xuan Chenzi led Chen Yuan through the cities and prefectures and arrived at a vast mountain range, where they stopped above a secluded valley.

Chen Yuan spread his divine sense and discovered a small spiritual vein in the valley, with a serene landscape and a babbling stream.

On the mountain wall, two stone doors are covered with moss, exuding an ancient and dignified air.

Xuan Chenzi said, "This is where I cultivate in seclusion. For many years, I have been the only one here. You may choose any place to open up your cave dwelling."

Chen Yuan agreed, and Xuan Chenzi took out a jade bottle and handed it over: "You have been drained of your vital energy by that Jade Smoke Demoness many times, so your yang energy is deficient and your vitality is damaged. You need to recuperate and recover."

"There is a Three Yang Pill in this bottle, which can replenish Yang energy and restore vitality. Refine it carefully, but do not rush it."

Chen Yuan accepted the jade bottle, bowed in gratitude, and descended in a burst of light to a secluded spot in the valley. There, he condensed a golden blade of light and used it to carve through the mountain and the wall.

He possessed the bloodline of a golden dragon and had incredibly sharp supernatural abilities. In just a few hours, he had roughly carved out a cave dwelling, and after some rough repairs, it began to take shape.

He went to Xuan Chenzi's cave to report, behaving with utmost respect, before returning to his simple cultivation room, taking out the Three Yang Pill, and meditating to regulate his breathing. (End of Chapter)