Chapter 940
The Power of Transcendence, 2-Clad Cauldron
"If you don't want the blood of the Emperor Ancestor, then I know where a treasure left behind by our lord is. I'll give it to you."
The Rat Protector remained silent for a while before speaking.
Xuanwu and the black dragon Ao Kun looked at each other in bewilderment.
Is someone really this proactive?
Su Mu didn't even ask for it, yet you're offering to give him the treasure?
Why is that?
They looked at the mouse guardian, then at the sheepdog, completely baffled as to why this was happening.
"If you don't accept something in return, I'll always feel like you're trying to fool me."
The Rat Protector explained frankly, "You certainly don't genuinely want to spare our lives!"
Xuanwu and the black dragon Ao Kun were dumbfounded. Is that what you were thinking?
You know what, there's actually a damn good point to it.
They did have the upper hand, so it was normal for them to kill the Rat Guardian and the Chicken Guardian. On the contrary, it would have been abnormal to just let them go.
If they were the Rat Guardian and the Chicken Guardian, they would also feel something was off.
"Since you are so sincere in wanting to give me this treasure, wouldn't it be disrespectful of me to refuse?"
Su Mu said calmly, "Lead the way."
The Rat Guardian finally breathed a sigh of relief.
It didn't believe that Su Mu would be so generous as to spare their lives; it felt that Su Mu was definitely testing it on purpose.
After all, Su Mu and his group must have gone through a lot of trouble to get here.
Who would come all this way and then think of leaving empty-handed?
And who could resist the temptation of the Emperor's blood?
Su Mu wasn't after the blood of the Emperor Ancestor, so he must have come for the treasures left behind by his lord.
"The lord you speak of, is it Master Xuanxuan?"
Su Mu asked.
The Rat Protector carried the Chicken Protector, who was barely clinging to life, ahead of him. Upon hearing the question from behind, a look of disdain flashed across his face.
He really is a cunning guy. Isn't he just asking a question he already knows the answer to?
You've come all this way, don't you know what this place is?
"Yes."
The Rat Protector inwardly grumbled, but outwardly he spoke honestly.
"What is Xuanxuan asking you to stay here to protect?"
Su Mu continued to ask.
The Rat Protector had already categorized Su Mu as a cunning old schemer and took every word Su Mu said as a test.
Therefore, it was extremely cautious in answering Su Mu's question.
"Our mission as the twelve guardians is to protect the blood of the Emperor Ancestor and the Yin-Yang Cauldron."
"The Rat Protector said in a muffled voice."
"The Yin-Yang Cauldron is also in Xuanxuan's hands?"
Black Dragon Ao Kun exclaimed in shock, "Just how many good things does that bastard Xuanxuan have?"
"Is the Yin-Yang Cauldron really that amazing?"
Su Mu asked with some curiosity.
The Rat Protector couldn't help but turn around and glance at Su Mu. Wasn't the Black Dragon Ao Kun brought by him?
Even Black Dragon Ao Kun needs to be tested?
It thought that Su Mu was pretending to be confused.
Who in the world doesn't know what the Yin-Yang Cauldron is?
Just like Su Mu didn't want the blood of the Emperor Ancestor, it was unwilling to believe it.
How could anyone not want the blood of the Emperor Ancestor?
If they weren't constrained, they too would want to compete for the blood of the Emperor Ancestor.
That's a sacred object that promises transcendence.
"Didn't I tell you before? The blood of the Emperor Ancestor is the blood left behind by a transcendent being, and the Yin-Yang Cauldron is the same; they are both things left behind by that transcendent being."
Heilong Aokun explained, "Legend has it that the transcendent being used the Yin-Yang Cauldron to refine the elixir on Fangzhu Mountain, and after consuming it, he reached the state of transcendence."
It explained that those mountains were a famous mountain in their universe.
Su Mu nodded thoughtfully. In the end, it all came down to that transcendent being.
Su Mu asked the name of the transcendent being.
"Golden Rainbow".
Black Dragon Ao Kun said, "According to ancient legends, that transcendent being was named Jin Hong."
"Jin Hong?"
Su Mu repeated the name twice, finding it rather unremarkable.
At that moment, the Rat Protector's expression changed drastically.
How dare you call me by that name?
It said with a look of horror, "The Transcendent One is everywhere; he can sense anyone who recites his name."
"It's over, this place is doomed."
The Rat Protector collapsed to the ground with a thud, his face filled with despair.
Even when Su Mu had beaten it half to death, it had never felt this desperate.
It was only because the black dragon Ao Kun uttered a name that it was so frightened that it became like this.
Su Mu's face also showed curiosity.
Can a name really scare people like this?
"What are you afraid of?"
Black Dragon Ao Kun said disdainfully, "I'm the one who called his name, what does it have to do with you?"
If he really is everywhere, let him come and kill me.
I, Ao Kun, have seen everything in my life, but I've never seen a true transcendent being.
If he really comes, I'd like to ask him what transcendence feels like!
boom!
Before Ao Kun could finish speaking...
Suddenly, a thunderous sound rang out in the sky.
In an instant, the sky and the earth changed color.
The once clear sky suddenly became covered with dark clouds.
Thick, dark clouds seemed to hang down from the sky, and a powerful sense of oppression swept over us.
Su Mu's face showed a solemn expression.
Black Dragon Ao Kun also fell silent, staring at the sky with a gloomy and uncertain expression.
Have the transcendent beings truly arrived?
That can't be right.
I only called his name once, and didn't say anything else.
Heilong Aokun muttered to himself.
click!
No sooner said than done.
A bolt of lightning, as thick as a bucket, descended from the sky and struck the black dragon Ao Kun precisely.
Rumble!
Black Dragon Ao Kun had no time to dodge and was struck squarely.
It was surrounded by lightning and emitted plumes of black smoke.
His cultivation, which was originally at the peak of the Dao Saint Realm, dropped by a small realm at a speed visible to the naked eye, and he became a high-level Dao Saint Realm cultivator.
Black Dragon Ao Kun was dumbfounded.
It had finally managed to restore its cultivation to the peak of the Dao Saint Realm, but just because it uttered a name, it was struck down a minor realm.
Su Mu stood there dumbfounded. Just as the lightning struck, he felt a divine sense sweep over him.
In that instant, he felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had been completely seen through.
Fortunately, that feeling only lasted for a blink of an eye before disappearing.
Otherwise, Su Mu felt that his mental state would completely collapse.
He squinted as he watched the dark clouds in the sky gradually dissipate, his shock lingering for a long time.
Is this the power of the transcendent?
In that fleeting glimpse, Su Mu felt only a deep sense of fear.
It was a fear akin to encountering a natural enemy.
"I--"
As the black dragon Ao Kun felt its cultivation level plummet, it was completely distraught and instinctively wanted to curse.
But the moment the thought crossed its mind, it was knocked down a minor realm simply by calling the other party's name.
If someone were to actually start cursing, that would be a serious matter.
Only after the dark clouds completely dissipated did the Rat Protector's trembling body gradually stabilize.
It glanced at the black dragon Ao Kun and let out a long breath.
"Ao Kun, you were once a Dao Ancestor Realm expert, how come you don't even understand this basic rule?"
The Rat Protector couldn't help but say, "You were lucky this time; you were only weakened by a small realm. If you keep talking nonsense, we might all be wiped out together."
I beg you, please don't speak carelessly anymore, for words can lead to trouble.
"Are you teaching me what to do?"
Black Dragon Ao Kun was already in a bad mood, and his temper flared up immediately after hearing what the Rat Protector said.
"If you think I've given you face, then try spouting nonsense again."
"If I can't beat it, I can beat you!"
Black Dragon Ao Kun rubbed his hands together, eager to step forward and teach the Rat Protector a lesson.
The Rat Protector looked disdainful. "You, Ao Kun, were indeed a Dao Ancestor Realm expert back then."
But now, your cultivation level is not as good as mine!
In a one-on-one fight, I'm absolutely confident I can crush you.
I'm not afraid of you now, I'm afraid of Su Mu.
"That lord has already noticed this place. We should obtain the Yin-Yang Cauldron as soon as possible, otherwise things might get complicated. If others start talking nonsense, I can't guarantee what might happen."
The Rat Protector said to Su Mu.
“Ao Kun”.
Su Mu said to the black dragon Ao Kun, "Let's be quiet for a while. We'll talk about it after we obtain the Yin-Yang Cauldron and leave this place."
Although Ao Kun, the Black Dragon, was still somewhat displeased, he still had to give Su Mu face.
It snorted coldly and gave the Rat Guardian a defiant glance, but said nothing more.
Without hesitation, the Rat Guardian quickened his pace and walked forward.
They walked for hundreds of miles, but they still hadn't left the desert. "This place is called the Sea of Sand, where there is sand but no water."
The Rat Protector explained, "The entire world here is covered by yellow sand, making it impossible for ordinary creatures to survive. Only those with a certain level of cultivation can survive here."
It pointed ahead, "The Yin-Yang Cauldron is hidden in front of you. The closer you get to it, the higher the temperature will be. Be careful."
Before the words were even finished, a burst of light rose from the Rat Guardian, enveloping itself and the Chicken Guardian on its back.
Su Mu, Black Dragon Ao Kun, and Xuanwu also channeled their power and followed.
After walking another hundred miles, the temperature indeed began to rise.
In just an instant, the surrounding temperature rose by several hundred degrees.
Even the surrounding yellow sand was scorched red by the high temperature.
Looking ahead, even the air itself appears distorted due to the high temperature.
The yellow sand has been transformed into colorful glass.
Through the glass, Su Mu saw a three-legged giant cauldron located hundreds of feet underground.
The high temperature was emanating from the three-legged giant cauldron.
Even now, flames still blaze fiercely within that three-legged cauldron, as if something were inside.
"It truly is the Yin-Yang Cauldron!"
Black Dragon Ao Kun couldn't help but exclaim, "This is—"
It was about to utter that name when it swallowed it back down.
"A medicine cauldron used by a transcendent being!"
It changed that name to "The Detached One".
"Legend has it that the Yin-Yang Cauldron was used by those who have transcended the world for many years. The medicinal power has seeped into the cauldron. If it is used to refine elixirs, not only will it not fail, but it will also greatly enhance the efficacy of the elixirs."
Moreover, the Yin-Yang Cauldron also contains the formula for transcending the mortal realm; combined with the blood of the Imperial Ancestor, it offers hope for transcendence.
Black Dragon Ao Kun's eyes shone brightly, his face full of anticipation.
Xuanwu licked his lips, a greedy look appearing on his face.
Who wouldn't be tempted by something this good?
Although Xuanwu has kept a low profile throughout this journey, it doesn't mean it has no ambitions.
It wants both the blood of the Emperor Ancestor and the Yin-Yang Cauldron.
If it gets it, will Su Mu and Black Dragon Ao Kun still be able to suppress it?
I don't think about it!
A martial artist who doesn't want to transcend is not a good martial artist; even Xuanwu wants to transcend.
boom!
While they were talking.
Su Mu suddenly stomped his foot.
A tremendous force slammed into the ground.
The glass floor, which had been scorched by the high temperature, remained completely undamaged, without even a single crack.
With Su Mu's current strength, it's not an exaggeration to say that he could stomp his foot and cause mountains to crumble and the earth to split.
This glass floor is so solid that even Su Mu's power couldn't make it crack.
The Yin-Yang Cauldron was sealed within glass; to obtain it, one must first break through the glass.
Black Dragon Ao Kun refused to believe it and slapped it with his claw.
boom!
The earth shook violently several times.
However, only a white mark appeared on the glass, and it remained undamaged even under the full force of Black Dragon Ao Kun's attack.
This glass was made by firing yellow sand, and the whole piece was a single entity, the size of which was as large as a mountain, and its length, width and height were a hundred miles.
It is deeply embedded in the yellow sand, and the high temperature emanates from it, continuing to scorch the surrounding yellow sand.
As time goes by, this piece of glass will only grow larger and larger.
Even more than ten million years from now, the yellow sand of this entire world may be sintered into glass.
Then this place will no longer be a world of yellow sand, but a world of crystal.
The Rat Guardian remained silent, but a hint of mockery flickered in his eyes.
It already knew all this, and the reason it didn't warn Su Mu beforehand was simply because it wanted to see Su Mu and the other two make a fool of themselves.
As expected, even someone as strong as Su Mu might not be able to break through the glass.
"As you can see, this is the Cauldron of Yin and Yang."
The Rat Protector said, "It's yours now, but whether you can get it depends on your abilities. I can't help you with that."
"I know you're just watchdogs."
"Black Dragon Ao Kun said disdainfully."
The rat guardian wasn't annoyed; instead, it helped the chicken guardian heal its wounds.
"I'll try again. I refuse to believe there's anything in the world I can't break!"
Black Dragon Ao Kun roared, circling and flying into the air before crashing down to the ground.
The pair of dragon horns emitted a jet-black light, and their power could be felt from afar.
Boom!
Black Dragon Ao Kun crashed headfirst into the glazed floor.
The enormous sound was deafening.
Black Dragon Ao Kun's body was bounced back into the air.
Damage finally appeared on the glazed tile floor.
A crack several feet long appeared on the once smooth, mirror-like ground.
That's right.
The black dragon Ao Kun rammed into the ground with all its might, almost breaking off its horn, but it only created a crack about a foot long.
Black Dragon Ao Kun shook his head, seeing stars.
It looked at the ground, its brows furrowed.
"How can this thing be so hard?"
Black Dragon Ao Kun shook his head and said indignantly.
"Fire forges diamonds. This glass has been tempered by fire for countless years. It is more powerful than any divine weapon. It is impossible to break it with brute force."
Su Mu shook his head and said calmly.
"How about I give it a try?"
Xuanwu said, "However, let's get this straight: if I can break through this ground, the Yin-Yang Cauldron will be mine."
"Xuanwu, you've got quite the nerve. If you really can break through this ground, what's wrong with giving you the Yin-Yang Cauldron?"
"Black Dragon Ao Kun said disdainfully."
Xuanwu completely ignored it and stared straight at Su Mu.
The words of Black Dragon Ao Kun don't count; the only one who can make decisions here is Su Mu.
It only worked if Su Mu spoke up.
"Give it a try."
Su Mu said calmly.
Xuanwu nodded and let out a low growl.
In an instant, the sound of rushing water filled the air.
Immediately afterwards, a water curtain appeared out of thin air behind Xuanwu.
Swish!
The water curtain transformed into a high-speed water blade, shooting into the crack that the black dragon Ao Kun had just created with a whoosh.
The water flowed ceaselessly, cutting through the glass like sharp blades.
The crack created by the Black Dragon Ao Kun was originally only one foot deep, but under the cutting of the Xuanwu's water-flowing blade, the crack continued to widen.
Half an hour later, the crack had deepened by two feet.
Then no matter how hard Xuanwu tried, it could no longer go down.
Xuanwu sighed and stopped.
The crack was still several feet away from the Yin-Yang Cauldron, and it was impossible to create a gap large enough to remove the cauldron.
Xuanwu looked at Su Mu helplessly. If anyone here could do what neither it nor the black dragon Ao Kun could do, it would be Su Mu alone.
Although Xuanwu didn't like Su Mu, he still admired Su Mu's strength.
It took it and the Black Dragon Ao Kun to subdue a chicken guardian, while Su Mu alone almost beat the rat guardian half to death.
This is the difference in strength.
Wasn't the reason that Rat Protector brought them to search for the Yin-Yang Cauldron also because of Su Mu's strength?
Su Mu strode forward with a calm and composed expression on his face.
He went straight up to the top of the Yin-Yang Cauldron.
At this moment, even the Rat Protector stopped what he was doing and looked up at Su Mu.
It also wanted to see if Su Mu could actually retrieve the Yin-Yang Cauldron.
The twelve guardians have been guarding the Yellow Sand Realm for so many years, and the Yin-Yang Cauldron has always been here. Even their lord has not been able to retrieve it.
Deep down, it didn't believe Su Mu could do it.
After all, even a Dao Ancestor Realm expert couldn't do it. No matter how strong Su Mu is, he's only a Dao Saint Realm expert. How could he possibly do it?
However, the Rat Guardian had a somewhat uneasy feeling.
It always felt that there was something about Su Mu that it couldn't see through.
What if the Shetland Sheepdog actually does it?
The rat guardian felt a little uneasy. It dared to bring Su Mu here because it thought Su Mu couldn't possibly take away the Yin-Yang Cauldron.
Why does it feel like it's caused trouble now?
What if Su Mu really takes away the Two Elements Cauldrons?
Their true mission as the twelve guardians was to guard the Yin-Yang Cauldron; the drop of Emperor Ancestor's blood was merely bait.
If Su Mu really takes away the Yin-Yang Cauldron, not to mention whether the lord can spare it, its brothers will not spare it either.
Just as the Rat Protector looked over nervously, Su Mu had already raised his hand.
A flame suddenly rose from Su Mu's palm, and the already extremely high temperature instantly increased by an unknown number of degrees.
The intense heat even caused Xuanwu and the Black Dragon Ao Kun to involuntarily retreat, to distance themselves from the flames in Su Mu's palm.
Just then, Su Mu pressed his palm down, and the flames instantly landed on the glazed floor. (End of Chapter)