Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 743 Holding the Book of Life and Death, the Judge's Pen Determines Reincarnation (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Li Yunjing picked up the "bronze ancient bell." The cracks on the bell had spread to the bell's ears. He gathered a wisp of mixed "chaotic power" at his fingertips and probed into it, only to find that seventy percent of the defensive formation contained within the bell had been shattered.

With a gentle tap, the bell's sound became hoarse and broken, no longer possessing its former resounding melody.

"At least it can barely withstand the attacks of Nascent Soul cultivators."

He sighed and put the "bronze ancient bell" into his "storage ring".

This magical artifact, which combines offense and defense and is equipped with sonic waves, has now become the most inconspicuous piece of scrap metal.

This made Li Yunjing feel very distressed.

It should be noted that the "bronze ancient bell" is one of his regular treasures, and it has made great contributions.

Immediately, when Li Yunjing shifted his gaze to the "Yin-Yang Treasure Mirror," his brows furrowed even more deeply.

The mirror was covered with spiderweb-like cracks, and the originally flowing black and white energy became dim, even the reflected figures were distorted and blurry.

He tried to infuse spiritual energy to activate it, but the mirror only emitted a faint halo, unable to even maintain the most basic "yin and yang balance".

"It seems I'll have to collect top-tier rare and precious materials to repair it when I get back."

He stroked the edge of the mirror, recalling the legendary "Heaven-Mending Stone." Perhaps only that kind of strange stone, containing the laws of space, could repair the surface of the precious mirror.

Of course, the "stone for mending the sky" here is not the same as the "stone for mending the sky" used by the goddess Nuwa.

It is a special stone from the cosmos.

This stone is a strange object born from space distortion and planetary disintegration.

It can be described as an extremely rare and precious item.

Under normal circumstances, a planet can exist for billions of years, and cultivators die one after another before a planet reaches extinction.

These "sky-mending stones," which are occasionally produced, have become the rarest treasures.

The "Water Virtue Bead" is in slightly better condition, but the blue luster on the surface of the bead has become turbid, and the water system laws flowing inside are in complete disarray.

Li Yunjing held it in his palm and could feel that the water elemental power within it had weakened by nearly half compared to its peak. It seemed that he would no longer be able to use it to perform the "Mountain Moving and Sea Overturning" supernatural power for a while.

What pained him the most was the "All-Encompassing Lotus Lantern".

Three of the eight lotus petals on the lamp base were broken, and the golden flame of the wick was as weak as a bean, almost losing its basic function of dispelling evil spirits.

This special lamp, originally intended for a specific purpose, has now become merely a decoration.

Seven of the scales on the "Reverse Scale Inner Armor" broke off, revealing the dark armor underneath, greatly reducing its originally impenetrable defense.

Overall, however, it was the magic weapon that suffered the least loss.

Li Yunjing tried to put on the inner armor, but the edges of the broken scales scratched his skin painfully, so he had no choice but to fold it up and put it into his "storage ring".

The pointer of the "Xuantian Compass" was completely stuck in the "North" position, and the twenty-eight constellation patterns on the surface of the compass were dim and lackluster, clearly because the directional laws had been disrupted by the malevolent energy of Xing Tian.

The situation with the "Dragon and Phoenix Yin-Yang Heavenly Secret Pendant" was even worse. The dragon and phoenix phantoms on the pendant had almost disappeared, leaving only half a broken yin-yang fish that was still barely circulating spiritual energy.

Li Yunjing finally felt somewhat comforted when he picked up the "Star Essence Bottle".

The cracks in the bottle were sealed by the blue light emitted by the Xuanwu Pearl, and the malevolent energy of Xing Tian inside calmed down considerably, only occasionally impacting the bottle wall and emitting a faint "humming" sound.

"The Boundary-Breaking Sword is completely gone..."

He stared at the pile of magical artifact wreckage on the ground and suddenly remembered the last strike of the "Boundary-Breaking Sword" before it shattered; the hazy halo that tore through space seemed to still be right before his eyes.

The flying sword that had accompanied him in battle for many years finally fell in the "Abyss of Burial Gods".

That's a fifth-tier flying sword!

Even True Monarchs at the Nascent Soul stage can't all have one!
But Li Yunjing lost it.

From then on, Li Yunjing's only weapon was the "Yin Yang Five Elements Heavenly Evolution Sword".

After taking stock of these magical treasures, Li Yunjing looked down at his right arm.

Nourished by the "Black Tortoise Pearl," the granulation tissue at the cut has grown into tender flesh about an inch long, with the outline of newly formed tendons and bones faintly visible. However, it will still take some time before it fully recovers.

However, it is now certain that his shattered shoulder can regenerate.

This wouldn't necessarily leave Li Yunjing disabled.

The scapula of my left arm still throbbed with pain, and every movement aggravated my internal organs, indicating that the injury was more serious than I had anticipated.

"Fortunately, we have enough pills."

He took out the few remaining healing pills from his storage ring, put them in his mouth, and sat down cross-legged to begin circulating his internal energy.

The elixir transformed into a warm current that flowed into the meridians, intertwining with the gentle energy of the "Black Tortoise Pearl" to slowly repair the damaged physical body and soul.

The sound of patrolling ghost soldiers could be heard outside the "Hall of Contemplation". Li Yunjing opened his left eye and saw through the wall that the ghost soldiers were talking to each other in the sky.

The lunar eclipse is nearing its end, the blood moon is reappearing, and the yin energy of the entire "Nine Netherworld" is beginning to recede.

"Take care of your injuries first!"

Li Yunjing muttered something to himself and then began his cultivation.

Li Yunjing: Acting Sect Leader of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and Owner of the "Xingyue Trading Company"

[Cultivation Level: Ninth Level of Golden Core Realm]

[Spiritual Roots: Mid-Grade Heavenly Five Elements Spiritual Root, Mid-Grade Heavenly Lightning Spiritual Root]

[Divine Body: Thunder Divine Body (Peak of the Sixth Level of the Nascent Soul Realm)]

[Divine Sense: Spiritual Manifestation (Radiating over 180 miles) Comparable to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm]

[Magic Power: All the power of various laws is at the Nascent Soul stage, among which the power of thunder is almost inexhaustible]

[Spirit Stones: 1900 top-grade spirit stones, 360 million high-grade spirit stones]

【丹药：“万毒夺命丹”20枚、“九霄雷元丹”3枚、“紫府凝元丹”2枚，“玄元聚灵丹”10、“九转玄阴丹”30】

[Talismans: 9 Exorcism Talismans, 9 Protection Talismans, 4 Escape Talismans, 5 Five Elements Divine Thunder Talismans, 12 Six Ding Six Jia Talismans, 4th-Tier Low-Grade Jade Brush and Mountain and River Grinding Stone, 1 Substitute Death Talisman]

[Formations: Fourth-tier low-grade "Immortal Clouds and Misty Clouds Formation", Quasi-Immortal Formation "Nine Heavens Clouds and Thunder Formation", "Six Ding Six Jia Twelve Star Palaces Grand Formation", "Seven Star Dao Canon"]

[Magic Treasures: Tier 4 Low-grade "Yin Yang Five Elements Heavenly Evolution Sword", "Swift Wind Boots", "Five Dragon Wheels", "Heavenly Thunder Emperor Seal", "Five Poison Divine Needles", "Ten Thousand Poison Banner", "Ten Thousand Paths Glazed Furnace"; Tier 5 Mid-grade "Yin Yang Treasure Mirror", Tier 5 Low-grade "Purple Gold Gourd", Tier 4 Supreme-grade "Myriad Manifestations Lotus Lamp", Tier 4 Low-grade "Heavenly Net", Tier 4 Supreme-grade "Reverse Scale Inner Armor", Mysterious Thunder Origin "Thunder Mace", Tier 4 Mid-grade "Mysterious Heaven Compass", "Dragon and Phoenix Yin Yang Heavenly Secret Pendant", "Star Essence Bottle", Tier 5 "Ancient Bronze Bell"; Tier 4 High-grade "Nine Heavens Thunder Pattern Daoist Robe", Tier 4 Mid-grade "Sky Patrol Ship", Ancient Incomplete Immortal Artifact "Tortoise Shell", Tier 4 Supreme-grade "Water Virtue Pearl", "Star Constellation Robe" Quasi-Immortal Artifact]

[Cultivation Techniques: Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin Thunder Scripture, The Way of Sacrifice, The Way of Death, Heavenly Poison Scripture, Fifth-Order Yin-Yang Harmony Scripture, Starfall Secret Manual, Profound Yin True Explanation, White Tiger True Scripture, Black Tortoise True Scripture, Azure Dragon True Scripture, Vermilion Bird True Scripture, Fifth-Order Dragon Emperor Scripture, Nine Netherworld Yellow Springs True Scripture]

[Spells: Yin-Yang Five Elements Fist, Thunder Tribulation Divine Fist, Star Technique, Three Heads and Six Arms Great Divine Power, Samadhi True Fire, "Creation Divine Eye"]

Materials: "Fountain of Life", 3 Tier 4 "Dao Seed Beads", and fragments of the Three Lives Stone

[Puppets: 9 mid-grade Tier 3 "Puppet Mechanical Beasts"]

[Tokens: Divine Firmament Token, Meteor Token]

[Secondary Positions: Fourth-Tier Advanced Talisman Crafting Grandmaster, Fourth-Tier Intermediate Array Crafting Grandmaster, Fourth-Tier Advanced Weapon Forging Grandmaster, Fourth-Tier Lower Puppet Master, Fourth-Tier Lower Alchemy Grandmaster, Fourth-Tier Lower Celestial Mystery Grandmaster]

[Industries: Qiwu Mountain Villa, Chaos Palace, Xingyue Trading Company]

[Spirit Beast: Little Yellow Peregrine Falcon (Golden Core Realm, First Level)]

[Spiritual Plants: Blood Bodhi Tree, Five-Colored Flower]

[Captured: Xuan Yin Zhenjun, a Nascent Soul cultivator at the Transformation Realm; Xie Wuyi, a Golden Core Realm expert]

Li Yunjing sat cross-legged on the stone bed, his eyes closed, surrounded by a faint halo of chaotic light.

The "Black Tortoise Pearl" floated above his severed shoulder, emitting a warm blue light. Strands of energy flowed into his body like trickles of water, nourishing his new flesh and blood.

The first three days were the most painful and agonizing.

Every time the tender flesh at the cut on my right arm grew back, it was accompanied by excruciating pain from the remodeling of tendons and bones, as if countless tiny hammers were pounding inside my body.

Li Yunjing gritted his teeth and activated the "Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin Thunder Scripture," using the power of thunder to stimulate cell activity.

Whenever the pain became unbearable, he would sink into his sea of ​​consciousness and visualize the "Thunder Mace" deep within the sea of ​​thunder.

Sensing Li Yunjing's visualization, the "Thunder Mace" seemed to tremble slightly.

The flowing power of thunder flew out from his sea of ​​consciousness through the "Heavenly Thunder Emperor Seal," seemingly able to suppress all pain and keep his mind clear.

On the morning of the fifth day, Li Yunjing's right arm finally grew a complete outline.

Although it was still covered by a layer of tender new flesh, making it impossible to exert force, at least it was no longer an empty wound.

"Crack!"

He tried moving his fingers, and felt a slight tingling sensation at his fingertips, which brought a long-lost smile to his face.

"At least I wasn't left with a disability."

He muttered to himself, picked up a "Mysterious Spirit Gathering Pill" and swallowed it, beginning to treat the injury to his left arm.

A comminuted fracture of the scapula in the left shoulder is more complicated to recover from than in the right arm, requiring careful guidance to reassemble the bone fragments.

While recovering from his injuries, Li Yunjing didn't rest.

He placed the damaged magical artifacts one by one on the stone table and tried to nurture them with his spiritual power.

The cracks in the "bronze bell" began to glow faintly with golden light at the edges, nourished by the power of chaos. Although they could not be completely repaired, the damage was stabilized.

The surface of the "Yin-Yang Mirror" was still blurry, but he could sense that the Yin and Yang energies within the mirror were slowly reviving.

What surprised him most was the "All-Encompassing Lotus Lantern".

When he infused a wisp of starlight into the lamp wick, the tiny flame suddenly leaped up half an inch, and tender green shoots sprouted from the edges of the shattered lotus petals on the lamp base.

"It seems this lamp has the ability to self-repair."

With a sudden thought, Li Yunjing channeled the power of the stars from his "Starry Robe" into the lamp.

On the tenth day, the palace door was gently pushed open, and the two ghost messengers who had delivered the robes before reappeared, this time bringing a white jade medicine bottle.

"The judge said that fellow Daoist had worked hard to heal his wounds, and bestowed upon him a bottle of 'Netherworld Jade Marrow'."

The ghost messenger placed the medicine bottle on the stone table, bowed, and withdrew.

Li Yunjing opened the medicine bottle, and a cool fragrance instantly filled the entire hall.

The chalcedony inside the bottle was dark purple, like congealed blood, yet it exuded a pure life force.

He recognized this substance; ancient texts recorded that "Netherworld Jade Marrow" was the essence of the earth's veins in the "Nine Nether Lands," and it had miraculous effects on repairing the soul.

"The judge is quite generous."

He poured out a drop of jade marrow and swallowed it. He felt a cool sensation flow down his throat into his sea of ​​consciousness, and his soul, which had been shaken by Xing Tian's ferocity, was instantly calmed down.

In the days that followed, Li Yunjing's injuries healed faster and faster.

The scapula of my left arm has mostly healed. Although it cannot yet bear too much force, it is no longer a problem for daily activities.

The new flesh on his right arm gradually hardened, covered with a layer of pale golden skin—a sign that the "Thunder God Body" was beginning to reform. He began to attempt to cultivate the "Nine Netherworld Yellow Springs True Scripture," further fusing the laws of life and death with the power of thunder.

The chaotic light cluster within the dantian became increasingly condensed, and as it rotated, it could even draw in the surrounding yin energy, transforming it into wisps of gray light that were absorbed by the light cluster.

That morning, Li Yunjing was practicing his cultivation technique when he suddenly felt a slight vibration coming from the "Star Essence Bottle".

He picked up the bottle and saw that the malevolent energy of Xing Tian inside had become unusually active, while the "Xuanwu Pearl" that suppressed the malevolent energy had dimmed its light slightly.

"It seems this malevolent energy is more troublesome than I imagined."

Li Yunjing frowned slightly and quickly injected a wisp of chaotic power to calm the malevolent energy down.

He knew he couldn't wait any longer; he had to get the judge to open the passage as soon as possible.

Just then, familiar footsteps sounded outside the hall, and the judge's voice rang out: "Young friend Li, the 'Reincarnation Disc' is ready. You may come with me to the 'Boundary Between Yin and Yang'."

Li Yunjing opened his eyes, a glint of shrewdness flashing within them.

He stood up and stretched his right arm. Although it was not as strong as it had been at its peak, it had regained about 70-80% of its strength.

He stored the damaged magical artifacts one by one into his "storage ring," and finally picked up the "Star Essence Bottle" and held it tightly in his hand.

"It's finally time to leave."

He took a deep breath, pushed open the palace door, and walked towards the Yin-Yang boundary.

As he walked through the silent corridor, the ghostly soldiers patrolling along the way all bowed their heads in salute when they saw Li Yunjing.

The judge had already given orders that no one should obstruct this successor of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

The "Soul-Suppressing Banner" on the corridor wall still fluttered in the wind, but the falling Nascent Soul Powder was dissolved by the chaotic aura flowing around Li Yunjing when it approached him.

Upon reaching the entrance to the "Boundary Between Yin and Yang," the old drunkard was sitting beside the ancient well, toying with an empty gourd in his hand.

Upon seeing Li Yunjing, his cloudy eyes brightened: "Kid, you're leaving?"

"Senior, were you waiting here?"

Li Yunjing bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"I'll see you off."

The old drunkard grinned, revealing his yellowed teeth. "This 'Nine Netherworld' is filled with yin energy, but the thunderous smell on you is quite invigorating."

"Remember, if you encounter any remnants of the 'Netherworld Ghost Sect' when you return, fight them to the death!"

He suddenly leaned closer and lowered his voice, "There are secrets in this sect. If you can really wipe them out and obtain the legendary item, it will be of great benefit to you!"

Li Yunjing's heart stirred, and he was about to ask further when the old drunkard turned around and waved his hand: "Go on, or you'll miss the March rain in the human world."

"Thank you for your guidance, senior!"

Li Yunjing then nodded and bowed.

He wanted to ask, but they wouldn't give him the chance!

This is undeniably a pity.

Upon entering the Yin-Yang realm, the runes on the twelve dragon-carved pillars simultaneously lit up, with the "Reincarnation Disc" in the center suspended in mid-air.

Although it was described as a plate, Li Yunjing couldn't actually tell how big it was.

His divine sense could scan nearly two hundred miles, yet it seemed unable to see even the edge of the edge.

Perhaps the size of a continent?
Or perhaps the size of a planet?
Or is it the universe and starry sky?

That boundless feeling sent shivers down Li Yunjing's spine.

This is one of the core areas of the "Nine Netherworlds".

The exact appearance of the "reincarnation disk" is also unclear.

It appears to be just a disc-shaped object?

Golden-red flames flowed along the edge of the "Reincarnation Wheel," and upon closer inspection, it seemed as if countless phantoms of living beings were floating and reincarnating within it, each flame containing a miniature fragment of birth, aging, sickness, death, joy, sorrow, and separation...

This is the legendary "Rebirth Fire" that carries the cycle of reincarnation in the three realms.

"Li Yunjing, you've arrived."

The judge smiled as he watched Li Yunjing approach.

"This disciple thanks you greatly, Your Honor!"

Despite his exhaustion, Li Yunjing performed a deep bow, saying, "May I ask your name, Your Honor? When I return to the mortal realm, I will certainly offer incense to Your Honor."

"Ok?"

The judge was taken aback, not expecting Li Yunjing to have such an explanation.

This was completely unexpected for him.

"Hehe! You're so thoughtful."

The judge's attitude softened somewhat; a smile even appeared on his otherwise terrifying face. "My surname is Cui. You can call me Judge Cui."

With a "thump," Li Yunjing's heart clenched painfully.

The legends of the underworld still exist in the mortal world, and Li Yunjing knew who Judge Cui was.

This is a legendary figure!
Not just a lowly, ordinary judge!
No wonder this person has the authority to handle their own affairs.

The confidants of the Ten Kings of Hell are the real figures of power.

Even the "Book of Life and Death" was placed in Judge Cui's hands.

Li Yunjing finally met a legendary figure.

"No need for formalities, just infuse the malevolent energy from the 'Star Essence Bottle' into the center of the plate."

Seeing the change in Li Yunjing's expression, Judge Cui's eyes flashed with understanding, but he did not point it out. He simply raised his hand and gestured for Li Yunjing to look at the Wheel of Reincarnation: "Although Xing Tian's malevolent energy is fierce, it is the key to opening the passage between the two realms. It needs to be fused with the Fire of Rebirth in order to obscure the perception of the boundary marker."

"Thank you, Judge Cui!"

Li Yunjing composed himself and suppressed the turmoil in his heart.

Cui Jue, who was said to hold the Book of Life and Death and whose pen determined reincarnation, was actually standing in front of him.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward as instructed, grasped the "Star Essence Bottle" with his right hand, and, despite the inconvenience in his left arm, steadily aligned the bottom of the bottle with the "Reincarnation Disc".

"When injecting, one must concentrate and calm down, and not let one's own spiritual power clash with the malevolent energy."

Judge Cui's voice rang out at the opportune moment, his vermilion brush hovering in mid-air, ready to respond to any unexpected events.

Li Yunjing nodded, gathering chaotic power at his fingertips and slowly activating the "Star Essence Bottle".

The "Black Tortoise Pearl" on the bottle shimmered with blue light, transforming Xing Tian's malevolent energy into a slender black thread that precisely probed into the Wheel of Reincarnation.

"laugh……"

The moment the black silk touched the flames of rebirth, the golden-red light suddenly surged, and countless phantoms of living beings howled and roared in the flames, as if trying to break free from the shackles of reincarnation.

The "Reincarnation Disc" trembled violently, and the runes on the twelve dragon pillars flickered in and out of focus, showing signs of disintegration.

"What domineering and vicious aura!"

Li Yunjing was secretly alarmed and quickly activated the "Nine Netherworld Yellow Springs True Scripture," using the laws of life and death to wrap around the black thread, attempting to neutralize its ferocity.

"Xingtian's battle spirit has not yet succumbed to its obsession, and it even wants to use its malevolent energy to break through the cycle of reincarnation!"

Judge Cui frowned slightly, and with a swift stroke of his vermilion brush, golden runes landed on the Wheel of Reincarnation: "Li Yunjing, summon the power of thunder to suppress!"

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yunjing immediately mobilized the lightning power within his body to provide assistance.

When lightning met the flames of rebirth, it burst forth with a seven-colored glow.

In the glow of the sunset, Xing Tian's malevolent aura gradually merged with countless phantom images of living beings, transforming into a portal of light leading to the heavens.

On the other side of the portal, the faint sounds of wind and rain could be heard, carrying with them the freshness of grass and trees and the fragrance of earth.

"It's done!"

"The passage can only be maintained for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn; you must go in quickly."

Judge Cui let out a long sigh, but fine beads of sweat had already seeped from his forehead. "Remember, after returning to the mortal realm, if you encounter any remnants of the 'Netherworld Ghost Sect,' be extra careful! The 'Netherworld Token' they possess has a far deeper connection to the 'Reincarnation Bureau' than you can imagine."

Li Yunjing's heart stirred, and he was about to ask further when Judge Cui waved his hand: "Go, your Daoist partner and sect are still waiting for you to return."

"Judge Cui's great kindness will never be forgotten by Li Yunjing."

He gazed at the familiar human world within the portal, then glanced at Judge Cui, and solemnly bowed: "On my journey to the human world, I will certainly remember your teachings."

Having said that, he didn't hesitate any longer and leaped into the portal.

The moment they passed through the portal of light, the last voice of Judge Cui echoed behind them, tinged with a faint ethereal quality: "If you encounter the Taishan Stone Guardian, you may give him the 'Black Tortoise Pearl'..."

Before the words were finished, the portal closed.

Li Yunjing felt enveloped in a warm current, and the sound of wind and rain in his ears became clearer and clearer.

When he stepped back onto solid ground, he found himself standing in a familiar mountain forest...

It was the back mountain where he was ambushed and fell off the cliff by Zhang Heng and his men.

The drizzle in March dampened his hair, and the air was filled with the scent of grass and earth.

He looked down at his right arm, the new skin glowing healthily in the rain. The chaotic light in his dantian slowly rotated, the laws of life and death and the power of thunder coexisting harmoniously.

"I am back."

Li Yunjing clenched his fist, feeling the surging spiritual energy within his body, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

The trials of the "Journey to the Nine Netherworlds" tempered him, making him more mature and composed.

"Crash!"

Li Yunjing stood in the rain, letting the cold raindrops hit his face, but he felt no chill at all.

He suddenly opened his arms wide, took a deep breath, and the air, mixed with the earthy smell and the fresh scent of grass and trees, filled his lungs, making his eyes well up with tears.

"It tastes like home..."

He muttered to himself, his voice trembling uncontrollably.

A few clear birdsongs came from the mountains behind me, and a grayish-brown hare darted past my feet and hurriedly disappeared into the bushes.

This vibrant life force is a sight that can never be seen in the "Nine Netherworlds".

(End of this chapter)