The Hidden Immortal

Chapter 128 The Golden Elixir is Swallowed, My Fate is No Longer in the Hands of Heaven (10,000-word chapter)

The blue-white python, which was over a hundred feet long, blocked the Songliu River simply by coiling its body up.

The river continued to spread in both directions, submerging large areas of land.

The trees along the bank swayed violently from the impact, their leaves thrashed about by the heavy rain.

The loud rumbling sounds continued.

It comes from the dark clouds high in the sky, and also from the blocked and difficult-to-flow river water.

The sky and the earth were both gloomy.

A bolt of lightning that stretched for hundreds of miles flashed by, illuminating the terrifying, mountain-like body of the blue-white python even more brightly.

Its scales are now a deeper color than they were a few years ago.

Its deep blue color resembles black iron, and its pure white color resembles jade.

Upon closer inspection, it possesses a unique aesthetic appeal.

A pure black scale, fixed at seven inches.

This is the crux of the matter, and also the Achilles' heel.

This is the most dangerous place for dragons and snakes to touch; touching it will result in death!

Zhang Jingheng floated in the air beside Chu Xun, gazing at the blue-white python whose tongue was thicker than a tree trunk, and sighed, "If it can survive this calamity, it will become a dragon."

The transformation from a blue-white python to a blue-white dragon took a century.

Chu Xun gripped his sword and walked to the side of the blue-white python.

Only then did I see the green python and white python, the old tortoise, and the golden toad beside me.

Even weasels, rabbits, and other snakes, insects, and rodents that live in the fields and woods outside the village have come.

We don't usually see them, but today we see that the tribe has already passed through a hundred years.

They were densely packed and occupied a large area.

Zhang Jingheng added, "If they continue to reproduce like this, this place will be eaten into a wasteland in the future."

Chu Xun nodded, then looked at the blue-white python.

His voice was clear and bright, with a hint of joy: "Today I will transform into a dragon to protect you on your path. You will become a dragon, and I will enter the Golden Core stage."

The blue-white python stretched its body straight and let out a deafening roar towards the sky.

The sound was so intense that even the surging river and thunder could not drown it out.

The roar could be heard for miles around.

Apart from the birds and livestock that live and work together day and night along the banks of the Songliu River, all other birds and beasts trembled with fear and dared not raise their heads.

Though not a true dragon, it is still a dragon, the true king of all beasts.

Perhaps it sensed the provocation of the blue-white python's roar, or perhaps transforming into a dragon was inherently a heaven-defying act.

A bolt of lightning struck down.

Chu Xun took out a replica of a lightning-avoiding talisman from his pocket and threw it into the air.

The lightning was immediately drawn to the lightning-avoiding talisman.

With a deafening roar, the lightning-avoiding talisman turned into charred ashes and vanished in an instant, battered by the wind and rain.

Chu Xun's gaze darkened slightly. In the previous tests, the lightning protection talisman could withstand at least two lightning strikes.

Now, however, it only endures once before turning to ashes.

Looking up at the incredibly thick dark clouds, one wonders how many bolts of lightning were hidden within them.

"The lightning tribulation was indeed extraordinary!"

Another bolt of lightning struck down.

Chu Xun threw out a second lightning-avoiding talisman, and at the same time shouted to the blue-white python, "Go!"

The blue-white python moved its massive body and swam forward using the waters of the Songliu River.

It appears slow, only because of its large size; in reality, its movements are swift.

Transforming into a dragon is not a fixed process; rather, it requires traveling a great distance and absorbing the earth's energy before one can achieve enlightenment.

Therefore, in ancient books, the transformation into a dragon is also called "walking dragon".

The single word "walk" has claimed the lives of countless highly skilled pythons, preventing them from ever reaching their destination.

One bolt of lightning after another struck down, its power terrifying.

Each bolt of lightning consumes one lightning-avoiding talisman.

The blue-white python had only swum twenty miles when Chu Xun's lightning-avoiding talismans, which he had accumulated over nearly ten years, were completely used up.

The last lightning-avoiding talisman left by the old Taoist priest was also thrown out.

This golden talisman is completely different from the imitation.

The lightning struck, but the surface remained motionless, only its luster dimmed slightly.

Numerous birds and livestock on the shore followed suit, creating a magnificent spectacle.

There was also a small figure that stood out among the poultry and livestock.

That's Wei Youyou.

The little girl ran incredibly fast, her body radiating a faint, ethereal light, ready to provide support at any moment.

Only Zhang Jingheng followed Chu Xun unhurriedly, showing no intention of making a move.

His opponent is not the Thunder.

They swam for seventy li in this way.

Wherever it passed, the river spread out in all directions.

Chu Xun used his magic to raise temporary dikes on both sides of the river.

Otherwise, all the fields and villages within these seventy li would be submerged.

They had arrived at the territory of Tianqiong County, where the City God of Zhangnan County, along with his underworld deities, awaited them at the county border.

Upon seeing the blue-white python arrive, the City God of Zhangnan County threw out the jade tablet in his hand.

The thunderbolt crashed down, but was blocked by the Jade Tablet of Merit.

Chu Xun glanced at them but didn't say anything, continuing to walk along the riverbank.

The City God of Zhangnan County, who had shielded the Azure-White Python from a lightning tribulation, retrieved his jade tablet, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "The Underworld of Zhangnan County respectfully bids farewell to the Immortal."

After another sixty li, the next step would be the territory of Yingjing County.

The City God of Tianqiong County, along with his underworld deities, also waited.

Similarly, by throwing out the Jade Tablet of Merit, one could block a lightning tribulation.

After Chu Xun and the blue and white python crossed the boundary, they bowed and said, "The Underworld of Tianqiong County respectfully sees off the Immortal."

Following that are Yingjing County, Haixing County, Qingbo County, Tangyuan County, and Feishi County.

Along the Songliu River, the journey passes through seven counties, covering more than four hundred li.

Further ahead, you leave the territory of Mingxiu Prefecture.

The City God, holding the City God's seal, stands here.

Upon seeing Chu Xun arrive, he threw out the Jade Tablet of Merit.

"Mingxiu Prefecture Underworld, respectfully sending off the immortal."

After traveling 420 li, Chu Xun looked up at the sky.

The old Taoist priest's lightning-avoiding talisman had been struck by lightning nearly a hundred times and was now so dim that it was almost invisible.

After all, this was just a lightning protection talisman given to mortals, and it was already quite remarkable that it could withstand so many lightning strikes.

However, the journey of the dragon is not yet over. The farther it goes, the more earth energy it absorbs, and the greater its future achievements will be.

"The lightning-avoiding talisman will at most send the blue-white python away for another ten miles."

Ten miles passed in the blink of an eye.

The golden lightning-avoiding talisman caught the last bolt of lightning and vanished in a golden light.

However, the dark clouds in the sky had not yet dissipated.

Chu Xun looked into the distance; he knew he still had at least another fifty li to go!

Without the lightning-avoiding talisman, the lightning fell without hindrance, striking straight at the blue-white python.

Chu Xun took something out of his pocket and threw it into the air; it was a gray-black stone.

It was given to me by the old tortoise when I married Zhang Anxiu.

It can replenish spiritual energy and is a rare treasure.

The lightning struck the stone, and sparks flew everywhere.

Several cracks appeared on the surface of the stone, but it did not break immediately.

Then another bolt of lightning struck, and the crack turned into a large fissure.

Until the third bolt of lightning, the entire rock was shattered into pieces.

Chu Xun showed no heartache. Although the stone could replenish spiritual energy, the amount was too small.

It might still be somewhat useful at the Foundation Establishment stage, but once you reach the Golden Core stage, it becomes quite useless.

Helping the green and white python transform into a dragon is of utmost importance now, and we cannot afford to fail!

He immediately reached out and grabbed at the Songliu River, shouting, "Spirit of the Ji River, rise!"

A blurry stream of water, neither human nor beast, neither real nor fake, was picked up out of thin air by Chu Xun and thrown into the sky.

This is the spirit of the Songliu River, grasped by the proper positioning of water.

It has accumulated over countless years and is one of the most peculiar forms of "life" in the world.

It did not resist, but followed Chu Xun's orders and went to meet the thunder.

Thunder rumbled and roared, causing the spirit of the Songliu River to tremble continuously.

The waters of the Songliu River were boiling, becoming incredibly turbulent.

Huge cracks were exposed at the bottom of the river, and the water overflowed and crashed in all directions.

They attacked the spirit of the Songliu River, but they harmed the river itself.

In some river basins, the river course has even been altered as a result.

However, the spirit of the Songliu River is very resilient.

It was struck by sixteen bolts of lightning before being defeated and falling back into the Songliu River.

The river water grew even deeper, and it would take a very long time for the spirit of the Ji River to recover.

Karmic fire arose out of nowhere, entered the body, and rushed towards the soul.

The spirit of the Ji River is born of nature and nurtured by the earth. Using it to block lightning is unacceptable, even for those with the proper water element. They must endure the torment of being burned by karmic fire.

However, the karmic fire was nothing special to Chu Xun.

If the incense offerings are sufficient, they can actually become a help.

The spirit of Songliu River dissipated, but the tribulation of lightning continued.

The Five Elements Daoist techniques were unleashed, with earthen walls, metal essence, and wood energy alternating to block each bolt of heavenly lightning.

With each block, Chu Xun would let out a muffled groan.

Three bolts of lightning struck him, causing blood to spill from the corner of his mouth.

"Such powerful lightning! More than twice as strong as ordinary lightning, no wonder my lightning-repelling talisman could only block one strike!"

Another bolt of lightning struck, and a massive, azure figure leaped from the Songliu River.

That's a blue python.

Its body, over twenty feet long, would be considered enormous in the mortal realm, but it was extremely small in the face of thunder.

Struck by lightning, his entire body was charred black, large chunks of flesh were burned to charcoal, and his bones were broken.

The green python let out a mournful cry and fell into the river.

The blue-white python looked back, roared, and instinctively went to help.

Chu Xun shouted sharply, "Don't turn back, go!"

The blue-white python's eyes fell on him, and its roar carried a hint of sorrow.

Just then, a clear and melodious voice was heard throughout the world.

"Yo yo~!"

A burst of inspiration and brilliance emanated from Wei Youyou, who leaped high above the livestock.

First, it transforms into the appearance of an adult woman, then its limbs and body extend, quickly transforming into its true form as a spirit deer.

"Yo yo!"

A ray of light emanated from her and fell into the river.

The green python, which had been severely injured and on the verge of death by the thunder, had its wounds heal rapidly.

Although still weak, he was spared from death.

It barely surfaced from the water and hissed at the blue-white python.

The blue-white python turned its head and roared in response.

Another bolt of lightning struck.

The white python charged towards the lightning, only to be blasted underwater.

"Yo yo!"

The light then fell into the water and rescued the white python.

A slender white deer trots above the trees on the riverbank.

A spiritual light emanated from beneath its hooves, like a long tail laid out from pale blue silk.

The golden toad leaped from the old tortoise's back and blocked a bolt of lightning.

Finally, there was the old tortoise.

Thunder struck the turtle's back, sparks flying everywhere.

It withstood the heat, though the soil on its shell was almost melted by the fire.

The second bolt of lightning struck, then the third bolt of lightning struck—

Having withstood five bolts of lightning, the old turtle finally let out a mournful cry, its body covered in blood as it floated on the surface of the water.

The spiritual light fell upon it, quickly healing its wounds.

The mud on the tortoise shell had been burned to a fiery red, like iron, with mysterious patterns imprinted on it.

It resembles thunder patterns, talismans, and celestial script.

A hoarse, grating sound pierced through the thunderstorm.

Even the overcast sky couldn't hide their presence.

The crows have arrived.

When they fly together, they resemble a giant bird with a wingspan of over a hundred feet.

Four figures were carried on its back; they were the four weasels in the yard.

They carried a boulder weighing two or three thousand pounds and threw it toward the thunder.

A bolt of lightning struck, shattering the boulder into pieces.

Gravel fell like raindrops, causing the livestock on the bank to scramble for cover.

The crow shook its body, threw the weasel down, and then charged towards the thunder.

The "giant bird" composed of hundreds of crows blocked three bolts of lightning in succession.

The sky was filled with drifting black feathers.

Bright red blood mingled with the rain as it fell.

"Yo yo!"

The clear, melodious voice carried a hint of anxiety.

The blue-white python turned its head, and roared at the birds and livestock.

By this time, they had already traveled five hundred li.

The area covered by the dark clouds had expanded beyond the river, but the blue-white python suddenly stood up from the river.

So many animals, so many friends, risking their lives to send it here.

It was unwilling to pass through the tribulation of lightning in this way.

Lightning struck its livestock friends.

It roared to the sky, unleashing its power to control water and unleashing towering waves.

A column of water shot up from the river, surrounding it as it rose a hundred feet into the air.

Heaven's might was provoked, and several bolts of lightning struck down simultaneously.

The blue-white python showed no fear and opened its mouth to bite down hard.

The dragon's fangs, which had already grown out, were incredibly hard.

Even though the scales were scorched black by the lightning strikes, they still managed to shatter the lightning.

The power of the thunder crackled and burned through its flesh.

But a dark cloud was bitten off by the open mouth.

It swallowed it viciously, smoke billowing from its mouth and nose, yet it showed no sign of retreating.

The earth's energy, which stretched for over 500 li, was absorbed into the body, making the bones stronger and the blood more pure.

Until it was struck down by lightning, the blue-white python crashed heavily into the Songliu River.

The spiritual light fell upon it, healing its injuries.

The blue-white python shook its head and wagged its tail as it leaped out of the water, opening its blood-red maw, which was larger than a house, and roared angrily at the dark clouds.

Chu Xun shouted, "Don't delay! The next calamity is approaching!"

The blue-white python then restrained itself slightly and swam forward, wagging its tail.

Just then, a gust of wind blew from the east.

The wind made it tremble all over. Its scales, which could withstand several bolts of heavenly lightning, were blown off by a gust of wind, and blood flowed freely.

"Wind Tribulation!"

Chu Xun's gaze sharpened, and he leaped into the air.

The golden sword, forged over nearly forty years, was swung and slashed in the direction the wind was blowing.

When the essence of gold is incorporated into a vessel, it can vanquish evil and overcome wind.

"Break the wind!"

The sharp, golden sword energy cleaved the east wind in two.

Chu Xun immediately sensed that this was no ordinary wind.

Even if it is split apart, it still has the power to scrape bones and peel skin.

The longsword shone even brighter, and the fine golden light became even clearer.

Chu Xun immediately let out a deep groan and swung his longsword again.

A dozen sword energies exploded simultaneously, completely shattering the remaining wind force.

The few remaining were no longer able to harm the blue-white python.

Chu Xun landed on the massive python, standing with his sword in hand.

The blue-white python shook its head and wagged its tail, moving swiftly along the Songliu River.

The water surged and splashed up dozens of feet high.

The shallower sections of the river were cleared out, exposing the silted riverbed.

Large quantities of fish and shrimp were scattered on the shore, waiting for someone lucky enough to come and collect them.

Just then, another southerly wind blew in.

Chu Xun swung his sword and slashed.

Sharp sword.

The wind is waning.

Then it disappeared.

Then the westerly wind and the northerly wind blew in succession.

The Golden Sword, capable of cutting through wind and overcoming all obstacles, is invincible.

The sword became even brighter.

The blade grew ever sharper.

The sword energy became increasingly restrained.

Four gusts of wind slashed down, and even Zhang Jingheng couldn't help but say, "Only now can your sword be considered truly perfected."

Chu Xun shook his head. Although the sword was good, it was essentially a clash of the five elements.

It is said that it has been successfully refined, but in reality, it has not been truly refined.

Because even now, he still needs a sword to bear the power of the five elements.

Only when one has no sword in hand can one be considered to have truly mastered the craft.

The winds from the four directions—east, west, south, and north—have dissipated, but the calamity of the

At the same time, four gusts of wind blew from different directions.

Each strike was more ferocious than the last.

Chu Xun stood on the python's body, wielding his sword repeatedly.

After severing four gusts of wind, eight more appeared.

Sixteen.

Thirty-two.

Finally, winds from all directions enveloped the blue-white python completely.

Even though the Golden Essence Sword was extremely powerful, Chu Xun still couldn't overcome it.

Even the slightest scratch could tear the skin and flesh, and even shatter the bones.

This wind is far more powerful than the gale that the old bat used to bring.

The blue-white python's body was enormous, and there were always places it couldn't cover.

Before long, he suffered multiple serious injuries.

Even Chu Xun suffered many injuries, but fortunately, there were constant "yoo-yoo" sounds around him.

The divine light descended, allowing the injuries of both the man and the python to heal rapidly.

At this moment, the blue-white python suddenly trembled violently, almost throwing Chu Xun away.

Its massive body twisted and turned, and a series of thuds echoed everywhere.

Chu Xun stared intently and saw an invisible wind blowing out from inside the blue-white python.

Its interior is already soft, so it can't withstand this evil wind.

The roar of the blue-white python was deafening, and its blood quickly stained the river red.

Even the spirit deer and the spiritual light could not heal the injuries.

Chu Xun swung his sword, but could only shatter the evil wind that had been blown out of his body.

But the wind inside still kept blowing.

The scales, flesh, and bones of the blue-white python were all blown to shreds.

Everywhere there were gaping, bloody holes, revealing shattered bone fragments and internal organs, a sight that sent chills down one's spine.

The external wind is merely an evil wind.

This last one is the true tribulation of wind.

From the inside out, nothing can stop it.

Many giant dragons and pythons, which had withstood the lightning tribulation and the evil wind, were blown into piles of white bones by this unseen wind.

"Yo yo!"

The spirit deer cried out more urgently, and spiritual light fell like rain and mist, but it couldn't keep up with the speed of the injury.

The blue-white python roared in anguish, and half of its body seemed to melt away like ice and snow.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will die under the wind calamity.

Chu Xun's expression darkened slightly.

The wind calamity is terrifying, but there must be a way to control it.

Otherwise, all pythons would be blown to death at this stage, and there would be no such thing as transforming into a dragon.

However, his own methods, including the Golden Essence Sword, could only suppress external evil influences.

But the last gust of wind blew out from inside.

Zhang Jingheng, who had been following closely, asked in a deep voice, "Where does this wind come from?"

Chu Xun was taken aback by the question, but a flash of inspiration struck him.

Thunder arises from the brewing of dark clouds.

What about the wind?

The wind must have its source.

Chu Xun's eyes flashed as he unleashed his incense-based supernatural power.

Observe the air and you'll know the situation!

This was originally a supernatural power used to observe other people's fortune and life force, but now it was being used to look at the blue and white python.

One could see that his life force and fortune were constantly declining.

The aura, alternating between blue and white, resembles mountain ranges, rising from low to high and then falling back down.

It is now slowly descending; the more severe the injury, the greater the descent.

Shallow waters are snakes, soaring into the air are dragons.

Chu Xun saw it clearly: the invisible wind was blowing out from the flow of fortune.

Suddenly, it dawned on me.

The transformation of a python into a dragon is not caused by external calamities, but by changes in its own fortune.

Just like a farmer who toils in the fields with his back to the sky, there is no inherent danger.

But if overnight you find yourself sitting in a high position in the temple, danger will come of its own accord.

Many people don't know why you're here, and they don't want to see you sitting here.

Therefore, the farmer must die.

The transformation of a python into a dragon is similar; the leap from being a python to a dragon is immense.

The fortune of heaven and earth has its own mysterious logic.

"Transform into a dragon—first sever its destiny!"

Chu Xun understood, and without hesitation, he swung his sword, slashing towards the aura of the blue-white python.

With a single sword strike, destiny was severed.

They scattered and landed on the birds and livestock running along the riverbank.

This is the accumulated fortune of the blue-white python over a hundred years, like fish and shrimp thrown ashore.

Those who were destined to be together became these animals.

They all received a share of the fortune, more or less.

He immediately became disoriented and stopped, feeling dazed.

At the same time, a new fortune was born from the blue-white python.

The severed destiny belonged to the former python body.

The current fortune belongs to the dragon.

Like a farmer who unexpectedly ascends to a high position in the imperial court, he now holds significant military power and is in charge of all affairs, making him untouchable by anyone.

That invisible wind dissipated.

The fortune also grows from small to large, gradually rising like a dragon.

Chu Xun breathed a slight sigh of relief, then looked at the livestock on the shore and couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"You've gotten off easy."

The animals only wanted to send off the blue and white python, but they never expected to unexpectedly pick up this good fortune.

A continuous stream of spiritual light descended, and with the blessing of good fortune, the injuries healed rapidly.

The blue-white python roared at the livestock on the shore, as if bidding them farewell.

However, the livestock were bewildered as they processed the energy, unable to respond.

Only the crows hovered in mid-air, cawing a few times at the blue-white python.

They did not follow, choosing instead to stay and guard the livestock on the shore.

So that the people will not come and kill them.

Chu Xun looked up at the crows and said, "Find a better place for you in the future; this place can no longer accommodate you."

Zhang Jingheng was right; there were too many poultry and livestock.

As they gradually gained more spiritual power, the tribe needed to find a more spacious place to live.

Otherwise, not only would they themselves suffer here, but the people would also have nowhere to go.

As for where they were going, Chu Xun didn't say, but he believed that they would find a good place under the guidance of the old crow.

Having accompanied each other for a century, it's inevitable to feel a little sad to part ways now.

But just as when the Spirit Pearl Grass left, these things were all temporary.

If one's cultivation is successful and one can take human form like Wei Youyou, there will eventually be a chance to meet again in the future.

The world is vast, but it is not boundless.

The blue-white python continuously absorbed the earth's energy and had already swum six hundred miles away.

Further ahead lies Mingzhu Mansion.

This place was once the capital of the previous dynasty, but it was ravaged by years of war.

This is where Emperor Taizu raised his army.

However, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, this place was not chosen as the capital.

However, Mingzhu Prefecture has a much stronger local atmosphere than Mingxiu Prefecture, and it is even comparable to the capital city.

In a few years, this place may become a new place of prosperity.

The blue-white python swam to this point and sensed an energy that resonated with it.

At the same time, the water calamity arrived.

A large amount of Ren water essence gushed out of the river on its own, rushing towards the blue-white python like maggots clinging to its bones.

If it were any other python, it would now have to absorb and fuse these Ren water essences as quickly as possible.

If the speed is even slightly slower, the essence of Ren water will blast away everything, leaving no trace of the body.

However, for the blue-white python, this ordeal was the simplest, with almost no danger.

It has long absorbed the essence of Ren water and possesses a certain ability to control water.

It's like other animals are still waiting for the starting signal, while it has already run halfway ahead.

Now, these essences of Ren water not only do not harm it, but also promote the complete recovery of its injuries.

As a result, a bulge appeared on the top of his head, and a thick horn gradually emerged.

Unlike a real dragon with its jagged, forked branches, it is as thick as a pillar.

This is a bald dragon horn, representing immense potential.

At that moment, a low shout came.

"You audacious python spirit, how dare you transform into a dragon in my Pearl Palace!"

The City God had already received a divine decree and led the underworld deities to this place to obstruct them.

But the City God alone is not enough to stop the transformation into a dragon.

A figure appeared out of thin air in the Songliu River.

It was a man dressed in a green robe, with a black jade token hanging from his waist and a feathered crown on his head, looking majestic and imposing.

"I am the Lord of the Pine and Willow River, a bold python spirit, how dare I defy Heaven!"

Ji Bo is not a righteous god of Jing State, but belongs to the entire Songliu River.

My true home is far away.

His power was almost equivalent to that of the City God.

This is the true deity who is preventing the dragon from transforming; the City God is merely an accessory.

However, as soon as the two gods finished speaking, they looked again and were immediately stunned.

A figure was standing on the giant python that was about to complete its transformation into a dragon.

Holding a long sword, he stared coldly in their direction.

The sword was covered in a terrifying golden light; it was actually a rare and powerful golden magic weapon.

What alarmed them even more was that there was a dazzling golden figure beside this person.

"With merit fully accomplished, the golden body is instantly formed!"

Ji Bo exclaimed in surprise, "Jing State has produced such a figure?!"

Immediately afterwards, a spirit deer, almost pure white with a few spots, came walking on the water and landed on the python.

"A demon in human form!" The city god instinctively stepped back.

He could deal with such a powerful demon in human form.

But the spiritual light emanating from the deer was too righteous.

Carrying the vibrant life force of all things growing, it appears to the gods and immortals of the underworld like a raging flame in the night.

The two are mutually antagonistic, and neither wants to be near the other.

One person, one golden body of merit, plus one transformed great demon.

The magistrate of Mingzhu Prefecture took a half step back and whispered to the city god, "My lord, I'm afraid it's not easy to stop them—"

The City God understood perfectly well that this was more than just difficult to stop.

If things go wrong, it could be fatal.

But fate had decreed it, and they had no choice but to stop it.

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture suppressed his thoughts. He recognized Zhang Jingheng's identity and stepped forward, saying, "Prime Minister Zhang is the Prime Minister of Jing Kingdom. Why would you act against the will of Heaven and help the python spirit transform into a dragon?"

"Such disastrous and calamities befell the country, and you, as the prime minister—"

Before he could finish speaking, a sword light slashed down from afar.

It was several tens of feet long and several tens of feet thick.

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture was startled and quickly threw out the Jade Tablet of Merit.

The sword energy struck heavily on it, sending the jade tablet flying backward.

Although it did not shatter, some of its merits were lost.

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture flew into a rage and shouted at Chu Xun, "You are also a person who has attained enlightenment through cultivation, how dare you act like this!"

Chu Xun was too lazy to waste words with him and slashed with his sword again.

They were going to be killed sooner or later, so it just happened to be an easy thing to do.

At the same time, the blue-white python also swung its thick body ashore and opened its mouth to bite at the underworld deity.

The incompletely digested essence of Ren water, mixed with saliva, terrified the gods and immortals of the underworld, who hurriedly fled.

I've never seen anything so unreasonable.

The pythons that had transformed into dragons in the past were now overwhelmed by the water calamity and were on the verge of death if they weren't careful. They had no time to resist.

They could then swarm him and kill him.

However, the blue and white python doesn't need to digest the essence of Ren water at all, so no matter how much you come, it won't have much of an impact.

So arrogant, so unreasonable.

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture cried out in surprise as he was struck by a Heavenly Divine Water Pearl that suddenly appeared.

Thick black smoke billowed out, and he hurriedly used the City God's seal to reflect it.

He held the Jade Tablet of Merit in front of him, thinking it would be able to block the attack.

However, Chu Xun leaped up and landed in front of him.

He did not draw his sword again, but instead opened his mouth and blew a breath toward the City God of Mingzhu Prefecture.

This breath, though light and airy, reached the City God of Mingzhu Prefecture, yet it possessed the power to scrape bones.

"Supernatural powers!?" The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture was shocked.

Before he could even react, he realized something even more terrifying.

"Inferno!!!"

Water is in its proper position, governing winter's hibernation and feng shui.

But at this moment, the spirit of the Pine and Willow Water God is suffering the scorching flames in place of Chu Xun.

Using supernatural powers will also bring karmic fire.

Being entangled in karmic fire is something other immortals and gods would not want to provoke.

Like a homeless beggar covered in festering sores, which well-dressed high-ranking official would want to touch him?

If I get sick, wouldn't that be a complete disaster?

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture never expected that this seemingly enlightened person would not only be able to use the supernatural powers of immortals and gods, but also carry karmic fire.

I was immediately filled with dread. It was neither human nor immortal, neither demon nor god. What on earth was this thing?

The karmic fire has already arrived, and the City God of Mingzhu Prefecture cannot escape it even if he wants to.

As the karmic fire spread, he quickly waved the jade tablet to extinguish the flames with his merits.

Chu Xun looked on in astonishment: "So this is how karmic fire is extinguished?"

Come to think of it, karmic fire only appears when one's merits are diminished, so it is normal to offset it with merits.

But how much merit can a mere city god possess?

Chu Xun blew out several breaths in succession, each one carrying karmic fire.

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture had no choice but to repeatedly wave his jade tablet and activate the City God's seal, which emitted black and red light to immobilize Chu Xun.

If he keeps bragging like this, all his good deeds will be blown away.

But the moment the black and red light appeared, it was smashed away by the blue and white python.

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture glanced at it and his eyes immediately widened in fury.

All that could be seen were the numerous underworld deities under his command, like snowmen under the scorching sun, riddled with holes by the massive amount of Ren water essence, billowing thick smoke.

"Sir, save me!"

The civil judge, the military judge, the Black and White Impermanence, and numerous underworld messengers screamed in terror.

They didn't want to die, because even if they could be resurrected, they wouldn't be the same people they are now.

The spirit deer, which hadn't made a move yet, leaped over and curiously stepped on the martial judge with its hoof.

The guard was immediately trampled into a hole, and even more black smoke billowed out.

"Yo!"

The deer hurriedly jumped far away.

The City God of Mingzhu Prefecture had no time to care about them. Chu Xun, who had regained his mobility, took advantage of the distraction and cleaved half of the man's body in two with his sword, from which endless black smoke billowed out.

Before he could even utter a sound, Chu Xun had already thrown out several Heavenly One Divine Water Pearls, which struck the City God's Seal.

The seal was immediately riddled with holes, as if it had been eaten by insects.

Even if it emitted black and red light again, it wouldn't have the same effect as before.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the City God of Mingzhu Prefecture turned around and fled without hesitation.

Chu Xun wasn't about to let him escape and immediately gave chase.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jingheng had already engaged in battle with Ji Bo.

Ji Bo's strength was extraordinary, comparable to that of the City God.

The supernatural powers he used were also closely related to water.

The essence of Ren water comes easily.

Unfortunately, he was facing a golden body of merit, a rare treasure in the world. The essence of Ren water struck it, and it was impossible to shake it.

Unless he ignites karmic fire like Chu Xun, his merits cannot be diminished.

But Chu Xun had the spirit of the Pine and Willow Water God to take the blame for him, so Ji Bo dared not do that.

Otherwise, before Zhang Jingheng's merits were worn away, he himself would have been burned to death by karmic fire long ago.

Zhang Jingheng's supernatural power is that his words become law, although there are certain limitations, and it is impossible for him to truly destroy the world.

But it's more than enough to deal with Ji Bo.

Under the barrage of criticism, Ji Bo struggled to defend himself.

He could only shout, "You achieved your golden body through the merits of the Jing Kingdom, how can you now disregard Heaven's will and help the python spirit transform into a dragon!"

Zhang Jingheng said calmly, "My merits are for the benefit of the people, not for the country."

Even if it were the states of Chen, Yue, or Wu.

Such merits will be accumulated no matter where you are.

This is not unique to the Jing Kingdom.

Moreover, the person he was helping was not the Azure Python, but his uncle Chu Xun.

He had long since repaid the debt of gratitude owed to Jingguo.

In this world, there is no one more important than my uncle.

Having dedicated my life to the country and its people, it's time to do something for my own family.

Not long after, Chu Xun returned with his sword, took the tattered City God's seal in his hand, and seized power in an instant.

After releasing the City God's seal, he ignored it and once again drew his sword and charged at Ji Bo.

Ji Bo was already on par with Zhang Jingheng, and now Chu Xun has joined the fray.

With the power of Mingzhu Mansion seized, the gods and immortals of the underworld are no longer enemies.

The blue-white python turned its head and opened its mouth to bite Ji Bo.

The massive fangs and dripping saliva exuded a chilling aura.

The power of those of the same lineage actually caused more harm to Ji Bo.

Most importantly, he always felt that when he used his supernatural powers, it was like being stuck in a quagmire, not smooth at all.

Little did this Ji Bo know that the man who attacked with a sword was a water signifier.

Even without using supernatural powers, they will silently vie for control of this place.

Three against one, plus a combination of various negative tactics.

Ji Bo sighed inwardly, knowing that he would not be able to obtain the merit of preventing the dragon from transforming.

He immediately stopped fighting, turned and fell into the water, disappearing in an instant.

The blue-white python dived underwater to search, but found nothing.

Jibo's speed in the water was astonishing.

"Stop chasing!" Chu Xun called back the blue-white python that was about to pursue it further.

The blue-white python emerged from the water, and as if by magic, a decree of heavenly pardon fell upon it.

The blue-white python shook its head and wagged its tail, no longer roaring.

Even the waters of the Songliu River calmed down.

At this moment, having survived the tribulations of thunder, wind, and water, and having defeated the righteous god, it finally received the mandate of heaven and successfully transformed into a dragon.

Several dragon spines grew on his back as a result, and not only were his injuries completely healed, but his supernatural powers also became more powerful.

From that moment on, it was no longer a python, but a dragon that roamed the heavens and earth!

Ji Bo, who had already fled a hundred miles away, turned his head to look in the direction of Mingzhu Mansion, his eyes gloomy and his expression full of helplessness.

How could a python transforming into a dragon have so much help? It's outrageous!

If one can prevent the dragon from transforming, the merit gained will be equivalent to decades of incense offerings.

"What a pity, what a pity—"

Looking at the azure-white dragon that already possessed a hint of dragon might, Zhang Jingheng sighed with emotion: "So transforming into a dragon is this difficult. I really don't know how other pythons succeeded."

Chu Xun said, "Therefore, throughout history, most people have failed in their attempts to transform into dragons, and very few have succeeded. With a true dragon before us, how could Heaven allow a python to take its place?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingheng said, "It sounds somewhat similar to how aristocratic families suppress poor, illegitimate sons and ordinary people."

"That's just how it is. Don't think of immortals and gods as too detached," Chu Xun said.

Perhaps there exist truly extraordinary and selfless immortals and gods.

But such existences must be very rare.

Moreover, if one truly transcends worldly concerns, one may no longer care about anything in the world.

Whether it exists or not is no longer important.

Zhang Jingheng wholeheartedly agreed and asked, "What's our next step?"

He had barely finished asking the question when he suddenly froze, his expression blank.

Upon seeing Chu Xun before him, a powerful magical force suddenly surged from his body, surprising even him.

This magical power is several times stronger than before, and it is still growing rapidly.

In Chu Xun's perception, in addition to the increase in magical power, there was something else inside his body.

That was a strange creation, born from nothing.

His magical power surged forth from his dantian, and the spiritual light surrounding his body intensified.

At first, it was like a thin mist shrouding the moon; in an instant, it was like golden clouds enveloping one, so dazzling that one dared not look directly at it.

Chu Xun closed his eyes and focused his mind, looking inward at himself. He felt that in his dantian, his magical power was being drawn by an invisible force, merging with his own essence, blood, and soul.

Gradually, a hazy golden light emerged, like a star just beginning to ignite, faint yet resilient.

In a short while, the golden light began to shrink and solidify, and the scattered magical power around it flowed into it like rivers flowing into the sea.

The golden light became increasingly concentrated, and the iridescence became increasingly rich, gradually outlining a rounded shape.

Suddenly, patterns appeared on the rudimentary shape, neither carved nor painted, but perfectly formed by nature.

As the initial form faded from its hazy state and became clear and transparent, wisps of red light could be seen flowing within.

It was formed from one's own essence and blood, like red silk wrapped around jade, giving it a touch of vitality.

Chu Xun felt his soul tremble and his blood boil. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth seemed to be summoned and gathered from all directions.

Transforming into wisps of spiritual energy, they penetrated the meridians throughout the body, flowing into the dantian and merging into the golden core.

The golden pill became increasingly round and full, and its purple-gold color became increasingly bright.

It is as clear as mutton fat jade, as transparent as crystal, with red threads intertwined inside and blue mist flowing around it.

The jade-like luster flowed, and the seal script patterns became increasingly clear, with faint phantom images of dragons and phoenixes flashing across the surface of the golden elixir.

Although it vanishes in an instant, it possesses a transcendent and otherworldly charm.

This is a strange phenomenon at the initial formation of the Golden Elixir, a sign of transitioning from mortal to immortal.

Suspended in the center of the dantian, it slowly rotates, and with each rotation, a stream of pure magical power overflows, nourishing the meridians throughout the body.

The previously rising magical power gradually stabilized, becoming more refined and mellow.

Chu Xun raised his hand and swung his sword.

A sword aura was unleashed, widening the Songliu River by hundreds of feet.

This power is at least ten times stronger than that of the Foundation Establishment stage!

Zhang Jingheng was dumbfounded. Although he was a golden body of merit and had seen and experienced countless things, he was still speechless.

But I've never seen anything like this before.

From Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, it's almost a matter of blinking an eye.

The improvement is so great, it's simply astonishing!

Is this how you cultivate immortality?

The golden light in his eyes gradually faded, and Chu Xun slowly exhaled a breath of vibrant white air.

"Yo!"

The spirit deer leaped over, its body radiating spiritual light, its large, dark eyes curiously scrutinizing Chu Xun.

She didn't know what had happened, but she could sense that the master in front of her was no longer the same master he used to be.

Chu Xun looked at her, then burst out laughing.

"Only now do I understand what it means to swallow a single golden pill, and I know that my fate is not in the hands of heaven!"