Immortals of the End Times

Chapters 150-161-162: Martial Arts Clash, Dynasty Secrets, and Immortal Clan (Two chapters combined into one)

As Zhao Wuji's figure disappeared and retreated, a bone-chilling, foul wind suddenly burst forth from the nearby forest!

A blood-soaked corpse puppet sprang up from the decaying leaves, its joints making a sickeningly loud "crackling" sound, its withered claws aimed straight for the back of the Xuanjia cultivator, Xiao Liu.

At the same time, the figure of a White Bone Cult cultivator appeared from the treetop, his magical bone blades weaving into a net, sealing off his retreat.

"There's an ambush!!"

The Xuanjia cultivator, Xiao Liu, shouted sharply and quickly manipulated a winnowing basket-shaped magic artifact for protection, while simultaneously casting an ancient seal.

Unexpectedly, another sword light suddenly attacked from the side, it was another Xuanjia cultivator puppet controlled by Zhao Wuji who made the move.

Caught off guard, Xiao Liu's winnowing basket artifact swiftly blocked the flying sword, but his body was suddenly grabbed by the blood corpse puppet.

The magical artifact, the White Bone Blade, slammed down on his black armor, unleashing a blinding burst of spiritual light.

"Little Six?!" The pupils of the Xuanjia cultivator outside the forest shrank suddenly. Before Senior Brother Gong could speak, he had already turned into a blur and rushed into the forest.

Senior Brother Gong remained standing with his hands behind his back, not rushing in. A soft chuckle came from beneath his mask: "Interesting... He can actually control my people? So the communication jade talisman..."

Before he finished speaking, his gaze sharpened, and he suddenly turned to the side!

"laugh!"

A chilling sword aura grazed his throat, striking the protective shield that automatically appeared on his Xuanjia armor and creating a blinding flash of light.

Zhao Wuji's figure appeared like a ghost from the side and behind. His sword finger moved, and the Cold Soul Flying Sword curved like lightning, slashing towards the opponent's head.

The Art of Marrying in Dreams!
Zhao Wuji made a hand seal almost simultaneously, and the silver light in his eyes surged.

Senior Brother Gong swayed slightly, and his eyes behind the mask momentarily became somewhat unfocused.

But the next moment, the jade pendant with the beast head on his chest exploded, tearing a crack in the dream!
Click!

Senior Brother Gong's outer armor shield was instantly cut and shattered by the Frost Soul Flying Sword. He suddenly regained his senses and roared, and a crimson flying sword flew out from his sleeve, transforming into a rainbow piercing the sun to block the attack.

"clang!!"

The Frost Soul Flying Sword, carrying sword energy and thunderous sound, intercepted the attack. The shockwave from the collision of the two swords snapped an ancient tree within a radius of ten feet in half.

The crimson flying sword let out a mournful cry, its sword energy, though powerful, was no match for the thunderous force of the sword energy and was knocked away.

"Sword Qi Thunder Sound?! How dare you!"

Senior Brother Gong seized the opportunity to perform a series of hand seals.

With a whoosh, seven magical artifacts flew out of the storage bag at the same time, forming an explosive array around him!

"burst!"

boom! boom! boom!
The magical artifact's self-destructing flames engulfed the battlefield, and the Cold Soul Flying Sword was blown away by the shockwave.

Amidst the smoke and dust, Senior Brother Gong's black armor shattered, revealing his bulging, iron-like muscles. His bones and tendons exploded with a crackling sound like popping beans, and a fierce and domineering pressure surged forth like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down.

"Martial arts cultivator?!"

Zhao Wuji's expression changed slightly, and he quickly retreated.

But then the opponent shattered the rock layer on the ground with one step, roared and a claw was already at his chest, the claw blade as shiny and ferocious as a monster!

With a loud "clang!"
This claw strike was like a meteor falling to earth. Zhao Wuji's protective spiritual power instantly collapsed, and a layer of purple light shield appeared under his spiritual armor, but it also shattered instantly under this sharp claw, and the spiritual armor was torn apart by the claw.

"Bang"!
He was sent flying backward, crashing through three ancient trees before finally coming to a stop.

Senior Brother Gong's muscles were bulging like a dragon, and his veins bulged under his black armor. His body was filled with a blood mist-like aura of malevolence. The terrifying spiritual power of the sixth level of Qi Induction and the sixth level of Blood Fiend crushed the fallen leaves within a radius of ten feet into dust.

This person was also a martial arts practitioner, and he had suddenly unleashed all his strength during the previous crisis.

"For forcing me to reveal the power of the Martial Immortal lineage, brat, even if you die, you can die in peace."

His words stopped abruptly.

Zhao Wuji slowly stood up from between the broken logs, suddenly reaching out to tear off his ripped robe and spirit armor, revealing a body covered with faint, suppressed blood patterns.

His blood-red aura suddenly surged, spreading out like a volcanic eruption. Surrounded by the aura, his blood and qi surged, his muscles bulged and knotted, and his veins stood out. The decaying leaves beneath his feet instantly turned to char and carbonize, turning into ashes that scattered in the air.

The triple blood demons swirled and flowed like magma, scorching and distorting the surrounding air.

"Blood Fiend Triple Level?!" Senior Brother Gong's pupils suddenly contracted, then his eyes flashed with wild joy. "In such a small corner as Tiannan, someone can actually obtain the true teachings of the Martial Immortal lineage?"

He stomped forward with his iron boots, cracking the ground: "Speak! Which lineage of martial immortals did you inherit? If it has any value..."

He suddenly lowered his voice, his tone seductive, "I might spare your life, and even lead you into the dynasty to cultivate!"

Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered slightly.

He had originally intended to investigate the dynasty's secrets, and now, Senior Brother Gong's display of the sixth level of Blood Fiend cultivation, combined with those rare magical artifacts, flying swords, substitution talismans, and ancient spirit stones, all revealed the terrifying depths of that mysterious dynasty.

"It wouldn't hurt to tell you."

Zhao Wuji slightly subsided his bloodthirsty aura, his voice deep and thunderous, "It's just that my lineage may not be suitable for you."

He suddenly changed the subject, his eyes flashing with a bloodthirsty light, "However, if you want to know the answer, you should at least show some sincerity first."

"Did Zhong Kui send you? Where is Senior Hua Lengyun now?!"

Senior Brother Gong suddenly stopped, his eyes flashing with a sharp light as he stared intently at Zhao Wuji.

He turned his head to look at the two Xuanjia cultivators and the puppet still locked in combat in the distance. His brows furrowed, and the look of surprise in his eyes deepened.

"interesting."

He spoke slowly, his voice deep and rumbling like thunder, "In such a barren land as Tiannan, only the Tiannan Secret Realm has any value. How could it have nurtured someone like you?"

His gaze was like a knife, as if he wanted to dissect Zhao Wuji and examine him closely: "How did you manage to control puppets to fight against me at the same time?"

Seeing Zhao Wuji remain silent, Senior Brother Gong suddenly grinned maliciously, his hand seals changed abruptly, and he shouted: "Control!"

Zhao Wuji frowned slightly, his spiritual senses instantly scanning his surroundings, but he did not detect anything unusual.

"You actually—" Senior Brother Gong's pupils suddenly contracted, and a look of shock appeared on his face for the first time, "You weren't affected by the Bewitching Curse of the Linglang Cave Heaven? You weren't even implanted with the Bloodline Curse?!"

He suddenly burst into laughter, a laugh tinged with madness. "Interesting! Very interesting! It seems you have a powerful backer? Could your martial arts lineage have originated from this?"

"Bloodline Curse?"

Zhao Wuji's heart skipped a beat, and the blank look in Lu Yongnian's eyes when he was being manipulated flashed through his mind.

A terrifying thought surfaced in my mind.

Could this mysterious dynasty actually surpass the Linglang Cave Heaven? And even be able to control cultivators through bloodlines?
"Ah"

Senior Brother Gong suddenly gave a playful smile, the beast patterns on his Xuanjia armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight. "No wonder, it's perfectly normal for you to be unaware of the Bloodline Curse, being from Tiannan."

"However, your cave master, Zhong Kui, knows very well. It was he who invited us to take your life."

"As for Senior Hua," he deliberately dragged out his words, "since you know him, it must be because he once stayed in the Linglang Cave Heaven?"

"Senior Hua, he..."

Just as Zhao Wuji was about to ask further, Senior Brother Gong suddenly shook his sleeve, and the blood and evil aura around him exploded like a volcanic eruption!

"Enough with the nonsense!" His eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Since you refuse to confess obediently, then we'll take you down first."

"Wait!" Zhao Wuji hurriedly shouted, "I can tell you, but you must first answer my questions about the dynasty."

"Shut up! Even if I capture you, I can still extract the information from you!"

With a low shout, Senior Brother Gong's figure suddenly surged forward, enveloped in blood and energy. Wherever he passed, the ground cracked and the air distorted. The terrifying pressure made it hard to breathe!
The Frost Sword of Cold Souls suddenly appeared!

The moment the sword energy and thunderous sound exploded, Senior Brother Gong's right claw swept across with the force of wind and thunder, slicing the flying sword into sparks with a "clang".

Unexpectedly, the sword suddenly shattered into hundreds of silver threads.

It wove together like a frost-covered sword prison, descending upon us!

"Little tricks!"

Although Senior Brother Gong's outer armor was cut by the Frost Soul Flying Sword, causing the protective shield to shake and the spiritual light to shatter,

But he roared, his muscles bulging like a coiled dragon, and his bloodthirsty aura suddenly erupted, intertwining with the remaining spiritual light of the Xuanjia armor to form a violent, crimson-gold interwoven aura, forcefully shattering the frost sword threads that were wrapped around his body into pieces!

At the same time, the crimson flying sword in his sleeve, like a blood rainbow piercing the sun, slashed straight at Zhao Wuji's throat with a piercing whistle!

However, Zhao Wuji moved like the wind, vanishing in an instant as the sword was about to strike. He then made a hand seal with two fingers and shouted, "Forbidden!"

The Qi-restricting technique transformed into invisible shackles, instantly tightening around Senior Brother Gong's meridians.

The originally surging spiritual energy suddenly dimmed, and even the crimson flying sword paused slightly, its spiritual light fading.

"Um!?"

A hint of shock flashed in Senior Brother Gong's eyes, but then his grin widened.

The bloodthirsty aura emanating from his body did not dissipate; instead, a layer of metallic scales condensed on his skin, and his muscles writhed, producing a metallic clang!

"You actually know such a precious spirit-suppressing technique? But what do martial artists have to fear from spirit-suppressing techniques?!"

He unleashed his raw physical strength once more, his arms constricting like giant pythons, tearing half of the Frost Sword threads to shreds!

Where the sword energy cleaved, flesh and blood rolled up, yet not a single drop of blood was seen. The wound gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen, and the muscles and tendons writhed and healed as if they were alive, as if his body had already transcended the mortal realm and transformed into a humanoid weapon!
"go with!"

Zhao Wuji suddenly flung out the Crimson Flame Spirit Orb, which exploded in mid-air.

Nine fiery pythons roared out, their flames surging and distorting the air!
"boom!"

Senior Brother Gong roared angrily, crossing his arms to block. His skin, which was as black as iron, was instantly burned red by the fire python's bite, and even black cracks appeared.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly activated a [Substitute Plum for Peach] talisman. His figure blurred instantly, replaced by a piece of wood made of a talisman, and disappeared from the spot.

However, just as he appeared from another position, Zhao Wuji suddenly appeared like the wind, his blood-red claws, wreathed in blood-fiend energy, slamming towards his dantian: "This claw is yours!"

The blood claw slammed fiercely towards Senior Brother Gong's dantian!

Senior Brother Gong's pupils contracted sharply, and he instinctively activated his protective blood energy to resist, however!
"laugh--!"

The blood-fiend aura burrowed into his protective aura like a venomous snake, and was instantly corroded and melted away like a hot iron being plunged into snow!

His bloodthirsty power not only failed to block, but was instead eroded by the opponent's bloodthirsty energy.

"what?!"

Senior Brother Gong was shocked. In a hurry, he forcibly unleashed his physical strength, his muscles bulging like metal, trying to withstand the claw attack.

However, the Blood Fiend Qi was like a malignant tumor clinging to his bone, fiercely tearing through his protective spiritual light and penetrating straight into his dantian!
"Oh!"

With a muffled thud, Senior Brother Gong was thrown back several feet, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, and for the first time, a look of shock and anger appeared in his eyes.

He looked down at his abdomen and saw that the flesh where the blood claw had struck was faintly tinged with a strange grayish-black color, as if it had been contaminated by some kind of filthy power, and even the self-healing speed had been greatly slowed down!
"What kind of demonic beast's blood essence has you refined into this blood demonic power?!" he gritted his teeth and roared, his eyes blazing with killing intent. "How could Tiannan possibly have a demonic beast with such a high-level bloodline?"

Zhao Wuji's eyes also showed a hint of surprise at this moment, and he immediately thought of the Heavenly Dao Karma Tribulation that he had devoured using the power of the Yang Pearl last time.

I never expected it to have such powerful capabilities.

Without hesitation, he turned his sword light around again, transforming it into sword energy and thunderous sound, and used it in conjunction with his magical weapon to attack his opponent.

Since Senior Brother Gong was unwilling to say more, he didn't waste any more words. He took advantage of the situation and decided to finish the job quickly.

With a tap of his storage bag, the Heart-Suppressing Bell flew out, simultaneously unleashing the Crimson Flame Spirit Pearl!

"clang!!"

The calming bell trembled in mid-air, its sound waves like a tidal wave, causing Senior Brother Gong to freeze for a moment, and blood to flow from his ears and nose.

He roared, his magical power becoming stagnant. He could only use the power of bloodlust to block his ears, but then he saw nine fire pythons roaring out from the Crimson Flame Spirit Pearl. The flames intertwined into a net, blocking all his escape routes.

Senior Brother Gong gritted his teeth and made a hand seal, and three more magical artifacts flew out of his storage bag, which he then manipulated with his stagnant magical power.

"burst!!"

The three magical artifacts exploded simultaneously the moment the fire python pounced!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The spiritual flames and lightning exploded, the fire python was torn apart by the shockwave, and even the Crimson Flame Spirit Pearl suddenly shattered.

Zhao Wuji's figure was also shaken back.

Amidst the smoke and dust, Senior Brother Gong coughed up a mouthful of blood, then transformed into a blood rainbow and fled towards the nearby woods.

"Drunken life, dreamlike death, the battle begins!" Zhao Wuji suddenly formed hand seals.

After rushing out more than ten feet, Senior Brother Gong suddenly felt the surrounding scenery distort.

"Array?!"

Senior Brother Gong looked horrified and suddenly stopped, realizing that he had fallen into a hazy illusion.

In the distance, wine flags fluttered, and the shadowy figures of pavilions swayed, as if a drunkard was staggering and singing loudly.

Although the formation had no killing power, it made him feel dizzy and lightheaded, as if he were drunk. A strong drowsiness overwhelmed him, and his escape speed decreased sharply!
"Well--!"

Senior Brother Gong suddenly bit his tongue, and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, trying to dispel the confusion in his mind with the intense pain.

He shook his head and roared, his eyes bloodshot, only to see Zhao Wuji approaching him like a ghost.

"late."

Before Zhao Wuji could finish his cold remark, the wine gourd in his sleeve had already spun around.

A golden light suddenly appeared at the mouth of the gourd, and an amber-colored waterfall of wine poured out, the rich aroma of wine instantly turning into a misty haze that completely enveloped Senior Brother Gong.

Two sobering stones traced mysterious trajectories in the air, their clear light intertwining with the mist of alcohol, creating a peculiar cycle of intoxication.

Golden goblet of precious wine!

Back then, Zhao Wuji was drunk for three days after just a sip of the divine wine, but now he spilled half a pound of it!
Senior Brother Gong staggered, and the bloodthirsty aura receded like a tide.

His eyes were bloodshot, and his powerful body struggled in vain within the Drunken Dream Formation, but in the end, he could not resist the corrosive effects of the intoxication, and his gaze gradually became unfocused.

"Half a jin of precious wine." Zhao Wuji lightly stroked the wine gourd with his fingertips, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "I'll get it back from you, interest and all." He suddenly made a hand seal and shouted, "Open your mouth!"

In his daze, Senior Brother Gong opened his mouth blankly.

"Whoosh-"

A spirit-connecting talisman pill pierced through the air and entered, instantly causing the gray mist to explode.

Countless eerie runes, like living things, burrowed into the seven orifices and meandered beneath the skin.

Zhao Wuji's hands formed a seal as fast as lightning, and silver light shot out from between his fingers. His divine soul transformed into nine chains of yin wind, which pierced straight at the opponent's brow!
"Uhhhhhh-!"

Suddenly, Senior Brother Gong roared to the sky, his whole body trembling violently. The muscles under his black armor bulged out, and his blood and spiritual power frantically resisted the erosion of the talisman pill, while his yin spirit struggled even more.

Zhao Wuji felt as if his mind was weighed down by a thousand pounds, and his control was about to collapse.

"There are too many people manipulating things."

He made a quick decision and drew a line with his left hand.

"untie!"

Outside the formation, a cultivator from the White Bone Cave Heaven who was fighting alongside the Xuanjia cultivator suddenly froze, his eyes regaining their clarity.

But in an instant, the magical weapon of the Xuanjia cultivator Xiao Liu struck, startling the White Bone Cave cultivator, who immediately retaliated instinctively.

Inside the formation, Zhao Wuji took advantage of the moment when his mind was free, and the Yin-Yang Technique shone brightly. Finally, with the power of the talisman pill, he completely bound and trapped Senior Brother Gong's Yin-Yang spirit.

"What kind of magic is this?! Why is it even stronger than the Dynasty Bloodline Curse?! Ugh!"

Brother Gong's ghostly spirit, filled with rage and fear, finally revealed its true nature.

He discovered that even after fighting Zhao Wuji to the very end, he still hadn't fully seen through this cultivator from the remote corner of the south.

However, none of his questions will be answered.

"Your Majesty!"

With a sharp shout, Senior Brother Gong's pupils dilated, his struggling body gradually stiffened, and finally he knelt on one knee, squeezing out a hoarse reply: "...Yes, sir."

Zhao Wuji breathed a sigh of relief, his forehead veins throbbing, his mind and spirit greatly exhausted.

He looked outside the formation and waved his hand to give the order.

"Go and take care of them!"

"Yes!"

Senior Brother Gong, reeking of alcohol, suddenly charged out of the formation like a wild beast.

"Senior Brother Gong!?"

Suddenly, screams and cries of terror erupted from outside the formation.

After a cup of tea.

Zhao Wuji rubbed his throbbing temples and slowly stepped out of the formation.

With a flick of his finger, two hangover shards transformed into streams of light and disappeared into his sleeve.

The scattered talismans around them disintegrated one after another, and after their medicinal power was exhausted, they turned into wisps of green smoke and dissipated.

The battlefield in the forest was a scene of devastation.

The blood-corpse puppet's body was broken into several pieces, and dark red corpse blood soaked through the decaying leaves.

The cultivator from the White Bone Cave fell backward, and although he managed to break free of control at the last moment, he was still pierced through the heart by the dying counterattack of the Xuanjia cultivator, Xiao Liu.

Xiao Si and Xiao Liu were now two cold corpses, their faces wide open in disbelief.

It was as if they were unwilling to accept this ending, even in death.

In the arena, only three figures in black armor stood still like pine trees, with the newly joined Senior Brother Gong standing at the very front.

These dynasty cultivators were indeed troublesome; even after a fierce battle, they only suffered a few minor injuries.

Especially Senior Brother Gong.

With a Qi Refining Stage 6 cultivation level, a Blood Fiend Stage 6 martial arts physique, and that flying sword that can transform sword energy into rainbows, he is simply a monster born for slaughter.

If it weren't for encountering Zhao Wuji, with his combat prowess, he could probably single-handedly slaughter all the cave cultivators in the secret realm.

"really."

Zhao Wuji reached out and pressed his hand against the wound on Senior Brother Gong's body, eliminating the corrosive blood energy still present at the wound. His eyes gradually turned cold. "This dynasty has been plotting against the Tiannan Secret Realm for a long time."

This batch of well-trained killing machines was by no means a hastily assembled collection.

That mysterious dynasty probably began its planning many years ago.
"Unfortunately, these dynasty cultivators are all under a restriction, so they cannot reveal much information about the dynasty. But they are definitely forces from other states."

Zhao Wuji stared at the three Xuanjia cultivators in front of him who were being controlled, his brows furrowing slightly.

He could clearly sense the three people's ghostly spirits struggling frantically.

Each impact felt like a heavy hammer blow to his mind, bringing waves of dizziness.

“Controlling three Qi Refining Level 6 cultivators at the same time,” he rubbed his temples. “Plus, Gong Yu, who is also cultivating Blood Fiend Level 6, is indeed strenuous.”

He tried to use the Dream Marriage Technique again, but the silver light was bounced back by an invisible barrier as soon as it touched Gong Yu's brow.

In the other person's dream, there was only a vast expanse of white, and all key memories were restricted and sealed.

"tsk"

Zhao Wuji pondered for a moment after withdrawing his technique, then suddenly a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

Since force cannot be taken, then we should subtly manipulate these people and cultivate their loyalty to him!

He tapped his storage bag lightly with his fingers, and dozens of improved talisman pills emerged one after another, hovering in the air.

These talismans had dark patterns flowing across their surfaces, quite different from the ones he had used before.

"Take one pill every three days thereafter."

He distributed the talismans to the three of them, his voice low but undeniable, "Remember, you only encountered an anomaly in the secret realm, and your companions went missing, not that you died in battle."

Gong Yu accepted the talisman without batting an eye, but his body beneath the black armor stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment.

Zhao Wuji's lips curled slightly.

There are still six Xuanjia cultivators at the fourth-level spiritual vein, which is a potential problem.

However, if operated properly
These can all be used as hidden pieces, perhaps allowing him to unveil a corner of the mysterious veil surrounding this dynasty from another state.

This method of control is the same as controlling the blood corpse puppet, only with increased drug potency.

He waved his sleeve and began to count the spoils of war.

The three fallen dynasty cultivators were no longer of any use, so he took them all into his Pot Heaven Space.

Although the spirit armor worn by these people was of superior quality, it was engraved with strange dynastic emblems, clearly standard equipment that was not convenient to use at the moment.

You can go back and give it to Master Yan to melt and reforge.

"We've made quite a few gains."

Nearly a hundred crystals gleamed brightly, while two ancient spirit stones exuded an ancient aura.

There were also two substitute talismans, such life-saving talismans are rare even in the grotto heaven.

Zhao Wuji poured all the Source Crystals into the Pot Heaven Space.

Watching that small world tremble slightly under the nourishment of spiritual energy, a hint of satisfaction appeared on his lips.

After destroying the evidence, he quietly left with three puppets.

The next plan is clear: use someone else to do the dirty work, and fish in troubled waters.

These three dynasty cultivators will become his tools, allowing him to plunder resources while leaving himself room to maneuver.

They needed to inflict heavy losses on all the major grotto-heavens, but also leave survivors to divert the disaster to that mysterious dynasty.

and himself
Zhao Wuji gazed at the distant mountains, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

The most important thing is for Nan Zhixia and I to focus on our cultivation using the resources of the secret realm.

In this chaotic situation, only strength can ensure survival.

Moreover, once his cultivation level improved, the mental pressure of simultaneously controlling three sixth-level cultivators was not as great.

This Tiannan Secret Realm only has an array at the entrance that prevents cultivators above the sixth level of Qi Refining from entering.

Once inside the secret realm, without the suppression of array formations or restrictions, breakthroughs in cultivation become a natural progression.

And it would be easier to explain once we got out.

This is also the biggest reason why disciples from various grotto-heavens are willing to suppress their cultivation to enter the secret realm.

Once you complete the task of collecting spiritual materials assigned by the grotto, you can keep all the remaining opportunities for yourself. In this spiritually rich secret realm, breaking through realms is as easy as going with the flow, far easier than years of arduous cultivation in the Dharma-ending Age outside.

of course
Those cultivators who are deeply controlled by the Mind-Bewitching Curse, even if they happen to have a fortuitous encounter, will probably just foolishly hand over their caves, completely unaware of how to benefit themselves.

After a short while.

Zhao Wuji sent out the three dynasty cultivators and returned alone to the depths of the mountains and forests, passing through a dense ancient forest.

The view ahead suddenly opened up, revealing a simple cave dwelling that Nan Zhixia had temporarily created.

A gentle mountain breeze blew as Nan Zhixia sat cross-legged on a blue stone outside the cave, her white dress spreading out like snow.

Her eyes were slightly closed, and a spiritual energy flowed around her, as if she were breathing in harmony with the surrounding plants and trees.

Suddenly, her eyelashes fluttered, and she abruptly opened her eyes.

"Unrestrained!"

Seeing that familiar figure approaching on the wind, the worry in her eyes vanished instantly, replaced by joy. She lightly touched the blue stone with her slender hand, and her figure leaped down as lightly as a butterfly, taking three steps in two to meet him.

"You're finally back!"

She quickly looked the person up and down, "Have you fought with those mysterious people? Are you injured?"

Zhao Wuji remained calm, smiling and shaking his head: "It's alright, I only observed them from a distance for a moment, and I didn't fight them."

He paused, then said solemnly, "These people have strange origins and ruthless methods; they are probably not cultivators from Tiannan."

I have secretly manipulated two of them using talisman pills, making them plunder resources outside to fund our cultivation.

During this time, we stayed safely here and observed the situation.

Upon hearing this, Nan Zhixia's eyes flashed with surprise, but considering Zhao Wuji's methods, she nodded in agreement: "That's good. With them as cover, we are actually safe."

She paused, then frowned and asked in a low voice, "But what if the forces behind them find out..."

Zhao Wuji smiled faintly: "Don't worry, I've cleaned it up and there won't be any trace left."

Seeing his resolute expression, Nan Zhixia stopped asking questions and simply said softly, "Then we'll do as you say."

Zhao Wuji looked at the simple stone cave, blinked, and laughed, "Our wedding chamber is already carved out? My wife is in such a hurry, then... let's cultivate together?"

"you!"

Nan Zhixia's ears instantly flushed crimson, her slender hands clenched tightly around the tassel at her waist, she brandished the flying sword, but then forcefully pressed it back down, and snorted.

"Who, who wants to practice with you!"

She turned her face away and lowered her head slightly. "This is just a temporary cave! Don't think you can do anything reckless just because your cultivation is higher than mine now!"

Zhao Wuji laughed and strode towards the cave. "My wife is overthinking it. I just want to rest. If you're not tired, why don't you fetch me a basin of water? I can take a bath to relax."

"you!!"

Nan Zhixia stomped her foot in anger, but seeing the weariness that couldn't be hidden between his brows, her heart softened.

"Wait."

She muttered something under her breath, turned and walked towards the mountain stream, her hair billowing in the wind, obscuring the slight upturn of her lips.

Meanwhile, far beyond the four kingdoms of Tiannan, in the Northern Cloud Di State, within the Soul Lamp Palace, a mysterious dynasty under the control of a powerful immortal cultivation family.

In the dimly lit hall, hundreds of soul lamps burned silently, their dim lights casting a chilling and murderous atmosphere.

Suddenly, several of the soul lamps cracked one after another, their wicks splitting and the flames going out abruptly!
"Um?!"

The disciples on duty inside the hall suddenly changed their expressions.

Before he could react, a terrifying spiritual power suddenly descended, and the air in the entire hall seemed to freeze!

"Um?!"

An old man dressed in a purple-gold robe appeared out of thin air, his hair and beard standing on end, his eyes sweeping over the shattered soul lamp like lightning.

He raised his hand and grabbed, the shattered lamp wick turning into a stream of light that fell into his palm. However, after a moment, the old man's face grew even more gloomy.

"His soul was completely annihilated, leaving not even a trace or a hint of resentment?!"

His eyes shifted, his expression suspicious.

"Such methods are beyond the capabilities of disciples and cultivators from those small grotto-heavens in Tiannan. Could it be that there is something special about that secret realm?"

He turned abruptly, flicked his sleeve, and shouted in a deep voice, "Issue the order! All disciples who participated in this operation will be subjected to rigorous interrogation upon their return!"

The disciples inside the hall fell silent, trembling with fear, and quickly obeyed the order and left.

The old man stared at the shattered soul lamp with a puzzled look in his eyes, and murmured in a low voice: "Tiannan... a mere barren land, only the Tiannan Secret Realm and the entrance to part of Xiang Yu's treasure vault have any value."

But Elder Hua had already thoroughly investigated the Tiannan Secret Realm; therefore, this matter was definitely not simple!

(End of this chapter)