Chapter 1335
The Breakthrough Opportunity on the Ancient Starry Sky Road
Upon hearing Ye Yang's question, the Qinglian Sword Immortal's expression grew even more solemn.
The next moment, he raised his hand and waved it, and a cyan light screen appeared out of thin air.
On the screen of light, countless fragments of memory flowed like a galaxy.
This is the key information extracted from the soul of the Blood Fiend Venerable.
"Although my soul search this time consumed a lot of energy, it also uncovered the deepest secrets of his soul."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal's voice was deep, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.
The Tribulation Realm that you and I are currently in is far from the end of cultivation in the vast starry sky.
Ye Yang was startled; this matter was not a secret.
He cultivated diligently for many years, enduring life-and-death tribulations before finally reaching the Thunder Tribulation Dao Realm.
He thought he was already among the top combatants in this world, but he never expected that he was only at the middle level in the starry sky.
“Cultivation in the starry sky has a far more rigorous division of realms than in the lower realms.”
With a light tap of his fingertip, the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal caused lines of profound characters to appear on the light screen.
"Above the Tribulation Realm lies the Mahayana Realm. Cultivators at this realm can condense Dao Fruits, communicate with the laws of heaven and earth, and transcend the mortal realm in both their physical body and soul."
"With a lifespan of ten thousand years, one can tear apart star fields with a wave of the hand, and moving mountains and filling seas is nothing more than a trivial matter."
"And above the Mahayana Realm lies the legendary True Immortal Realm!"
When the words "True Immortal Realm" were mentioned, the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal's tone rose slightly, and a look of longing and awe flashed in his eyes.
"True immortals have transcended the mortal realm and entered the realm of sainthood, transcending the cycle of reincarnation in the three realms, untouched by cause and effect, and free from the cycle of reincarnation. Their bodies can transform into laws, and their souls can roam through the ages."
"It is the highest realm that countless cultivators cannot reach even in their entire lives."
Ye Yang gasped.
The Realm of True Immortals... what a terrifying existence that is!
He had previously faced three Blood Fiend Venerables at the Thunder Tribulation Dao Realm.
They all need the help of the Azure Lotus Sword Realm and the Xuanwu Inheritance to win. If they encounter a True Immortal Realm expert, they probably won't even have the right to resist.
"The reason why the Heavenly Punishment Hall went so far as to cross star regions to hunt down the remnants of the Xuanwu Holy Sect and even extend its reach into this realm is not merely because it covets the Xuanwu inheritance."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal's tone shifted, and his gaze became incredibly sharp.
"In the memories of the Blood Fiend Venerable, the Xuanwu Holy Sect is more related to the Star Ruins Ancient Road."
"Xingxu Ancient Road?"
Ye Yang frowned; he had never heard of this name before.
However, one can sense a desolate and ancient atmosphere between the lines.
"Yes."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal nodded, and the scene on the light screen suddenly changed, revealing an ancient road that stretched across the starry sky.
The road was paved with the shattered remnants of stars, with collapsed starfields and a desolate starry sky on both sides.
"The Star Ruins Ancient Road is a forbidden area left over from the ancient war between immortals and gods. It is said to be the only passage connecting the mortal realm and the immortal realm."
"But as time passed and the laws collapsed, it has long since become an extremely dangerous death zone."
"But precisely because of this, the ancient road contains the supreme legacy left behind by ancient immortals and gods!"
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal took a deep breath and revealed the most crucial secret.
"The Blood Fiend Venerable's memories clearly state that deep within this Star Ruins Ancient Road lie two peerless cultivation techniques—the Immortal Establishment Technique and the Nine Revolutions Star Immortal Ascension Technique."
"The Immortal Stabilization Technique is an unparalleled foundational cultivation method that can stabilize one's foundation, cleanse the soul, and resolve all inner demons and Dao injuries on the path of cultivation."
"Even cultivators at the Mahayana Realm can perfect their Dao foundation through cultivation, increasing their success rate in breaking through to the True Immortal Realm several times over!"
"And the Nine Revolutions Star Immortal Ascension Method is even more heaven-defying! This method uses stars as a guide, achieving sainthood through nine revolutions. At its peak, it can directly draw upon the power of the nine heavens' stars to forge an immortal body. It is the most advanced immortal ascension method in ancient times!"
Ye Yang's heart pounded wildly, and his breathing became rapid.
The Immortal Stabilization Technique can help him solidify his Dao foundation and break through to the Mahayana realm.
The Nine Revolutions Star Immortal Ascension Technique directly points to the True Immortal Realm! These two inheritances are like a timely gift to him!
"But what does this have to do with the Xuanwu Holy Sect?" Ye Yang suppressed his excitement and pressed for an answer.
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal stared intently at him: "The core entrance to the Star Ruins Ancient Road was sealed by the ancestors of the ancient Xuanwu Holy Sect. Only the Xuanwu Suppressing Heaven Seal of the Xuanwu Holy Sect can break this ancient restriction and open the core of the ancient road."
"The destruction of the Xuanwu Holy Sect was closely related to this reason. Now, we need to obtain the Xuanwu Suppressing Heaven Seal and monopolize the inheritance of the Star Ruins Ancient Road!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Yang was utterly shocked.
He finally understood.
Why has the Xuanwu Sacred Beast been hiding itself? Perhaps the root of it all lies in the Star Ruins Ancient Road and the Xuanwu Suppressing Heaven Seal!
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal and Ye Yang locked eyes, a flash of understanding crossing their gazes. They then smiled at each other, already having a plan in mind.
"The Heavenly Punishment Hall wants to seize the treasures and the inheritance, but we'll beat them to it."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal spoke with a firm tone.
"The Ancient Road to Star Ruins is extremely dangerous, but the opportunities it offers are equally extraordinary. We are determined to obtain the Immortal Establishment Technique and the Nine Revolutions Star Immortal Ascension Technique!"
"What you say is absolutely right, senior!"
Ye Yang nodded emphatically.
"Instead of sitting and waiting for the arrival of stronger members of the Heavenly Punishment Hall, we should take the initiative, go to the Star Ruins Ancient Road, seize the inheritance, and improve our strength."
"Even if a Mahayana practitioner descends, we will still have the strength to fight!"
With the plan settled, both of them breathed a sigh of relief.
Inside the secret prison, the Blood Fiend Venerable had already fainted.
His soul was completely imprisoned by the sword's soul-locking mechanism, leaving him like a walking corpse, unable to stir up any trouble anymore.
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal waved his hand and removed the light barrier.
A streak of azure sword energy flew out, sealing the Blood Fiend Venerable within a black iron cage. He was then entrusted to the Supreme Elder of the Immortal Alliance for strict guard to prevent any rescue attempt by the remnants of the Heavenly Punishment Hall.
Upon exiting the secret prison, the elders of the Immortal Alliance were already waiting outside.
Upon hearing the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal's recounting of the secrets of the starry sky and the conspiracy of the Heavenly Punishment Hall, everyone's expression changed drastically, and they were deeply shocked.
“Ancestor, the Star Ruins Ancient Road is too dangerous, and the Heavenly Punishment Hall is even more powerful. You must be very careful on this trip.”
"Rest assured, everyone."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal nodded slightly.
"Fellow Daoist Ye and I know our limits. This trip is not only for opportunities, but also for the safety of this world. If we can obtain the inheritance of the Star Ruins Ancient Road, we can break through our realm."
After explaining the matters concerning the Immortal Alliance, Ye Yang looked at the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal, as if he had thought of something.
“Senior, today in the Sword Realm, I saw you refine the heavens and earth with your own sword intent, forging the Azure Lotus Sword Realm. In the blink of an eye, it becomes a prison, and when ten thousand swords are unleashed, no one can stop it.”
"I yearn for it immensely. May I ask how one should cultivate this sword world inheritance?"
Upon hearing this, the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal was taken aback for a moment, then laughed heartily.
"You have a keen eye, recognizing the foundation of my Azure Lotus Sword Realm at a glance. Very well, since we are about to embark on the Ancient Road of Star Ruins together, we can be considered sworn brothers. I will pass on the cultivation methods of this Sword Realm to you."
He paused, then said seriously.
"The Azure Lotus Sword Realm is not a simple spatial supernatural power, but is based on the sword heart, with sword intent as its bone and the laws of swordsmanship as its flesh and blood. First, the sword heart is condensed, and then the sword intent is nurtured."
"Once the laws of swordsmanship are perfected, one can draw upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to refine a space and forge one's own sword realm."
“Sword cultivation has three realms: the first realm is the Sword Domain, where sword intent forms a domain within a hundred feet of the body, suppressing the enemy’s cultivation; the second realm is the rudimentary form of the Sword Realm, which can refine a hundred-mile space, forming its own realm, and initially mastering the laws within the realm.”
"As for the third level, even I am still exploring it. The perfect sword realm allows one to traverse thousands of miles, with laws at one's command, creating ten thousand swords with a single thought, and destroying heaven and earth with a single thought."
"The key to cultivation lies in the unity of mind and sword, sword and realm, realm and Dao. One cannot be impatient for quick results, but must proceed step by step, using one's own understanding of the sword Dao to slowly nourish the sword realm, so that the sword realm can be indestructible."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal revealed the core cultivation methods of the Azure Lotus Sword Realm without reservation, each word a gem, profound and mysterious.
Ye Yang listened intently, his eyes closed, trying to memorize every word.
He kept deducing the path of cultivation in the sword realm in his mind.
The previously obscure and difficult-to-understand laws of space and swordsmanship have now become clear.
He was already exceptionally gifted, and with the Xuanwu inheritance as a foundation, his understanding of the laws far surpassed that of ordinary people.
In just half an incense stick's time, he had already figured out the path to cultivation in the Azure Lotus Sword Realm.
"Excellent comprehension!"
Upon seeing this, a look of amazement flashed in the eyes of the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal.
"It took me a hundred years to comprehend the fundamentals of this sword realm. Such talent is rare throughout history!"
Ye Yang opened his eyes and bowed.
"Thank you for your guidance, senior. Without your explanation, I fear I would have spent a hundred years and still not be able to reach the threshold of the sword realm."
"No need for formalities."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal waved his hand.
"You return to the Flying Heaven Gate first and prepare to travel to the Star Ruins Ancient Road. I will stay in the Immortal Alliance to allocate resources and refine magical treasures to resist the Void Gale and Annihilation Star Lightning. We will meet here in three days and set off immediately."
"That's exactly right!"
Ye Yang accepted the order, bid farewell to the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal and the members of the Immortal Alliance, and with a flicker, transformed into a streak of azure light, speeding towards the Flying Heaven Gate.
He knew in his heart that the most important part of the journey on the Star Ruins Ancient Road was the Xuanwu Heaven-Suppressing Seal mentioned by the Xuanwu Sacred Beast.
Ye Yang returned to Feitianmen in less than half a day.
The Flying Gate, now devoid of the clamor of the past few days, has returned to tranquility.
The disciples under his tutelage practiced diligently and systematically, creating a thriving and prosperous atmosphere.
Ye Yang went straight to the forbidden area behind the mountain.
The Xuanwu Sacred Beast remained coiled in the spirit pool, its eyes closed in meditation. Sensing Ye Yang's presence, it slowly opened its eyes, a hint of panic flashing within them.
"Fellow Daoist."
Ye Yang stood by the Spirit Pool, his expression calm, yet exuding an undeniable aura.
"Now that things have come to this, are you still going to hide it?"
The Xuanwu Sacred Beast trembled, remaining silent. Ripples spread across the pool, revealing its inner struggle. "The destruction of the Xuanwu Sacred Sect is probably not as simple as you say, fellow Daoist. We both know this."
"The Ancient Path of Star Ruins, the Immortal Establishment Method, the Nine Revolutions Star Immortal Ascension Method, the Xuanwu Heaven-Suppressing Seal... You know all of these, don't you?"
The Xuanwu Sacred Beast suddenly raised its head, its turbid eyes filled with shock.
"You...you knew all along?"
"Not long ago, people from the Heavenly Punishment Hall came, and I learned a lot of secrets from the Blood Fiend Venerable's soul."
Ye Yang nodded.
"It is said that the Xuanwu Zhentian Seal of the Xuanwu Holy Sect can open the Star Ruins Ancient Road and seize the ancient inheritance."
"As the last remaining spark of the Xuanwu Holy Sect, you must possess this treasure."
Seeing that the secret could no longer be hidden, the Xuanwu Sacred Beast sighed.
"Fellow Daoist, please forgive me. It's not that I intended to deceive the young master, but... the Xuanwu Suppressing Heaven Seal is of utmost importance. If it were to be leaked, not only would the Flying Heaven Sect be destroyed, but you might also face your own demise!"
It slowly rose up, its massive body emerging from the spirit pool.
Ancient runes flickered on the tortoise shell.
Then, it opened its mouth and spat out a palm-sized, jet-black seal engraved with a tortoise and snake entwined pattern, which slowly floated in the air.
The seal exudes an aura as heavy as a mountain and as vast as the sea, as if it bears the weight of the entire starry sky.
It is the supreme treasure of the Xuanwu Holy Sect—the Xuanwu Heaven-Suppressing Seal!
"This seal was forged by the ancestor of the Xuanwu Holy Sect using his own life soul, combined with the Nine Heavens Breath Soil and the Starry Sky Divine Iron. It is the only key to unlock the seal of the Star Ruins Ancient Road."
The Xuanwu Sacred Beast spoke solemnly.
"In ancient times, the Xuanwu Holy Sect guarded the Star Ruins Ancient Road to prevent forbidden objects from being born and to protect the inheritance from being taken away by evil people."
"The Heavenly Punishment Hall is ambitious and wants to use the inheritance of the Star Ruins Ancient Road to achieve the Immortal Realm and control the entire starry sky."
Ye Yang looked at the Xuanwu Zhentian Seal floating in the air and understood.
The slight dissatisfaction from before has vanished.
The next moment, he reached out and grasped the Xuanwu Zhentian Seal.
Soon, a powerful yet gentle force surged into his body, perfectly merging with his Xuanwu inheritance.
In an instant, his Dao foundation became more stable, and the flow of his tribulation power became smoother.
Many thanks for the gift, fellow Daoist.
Ye Yang bowed deeply and sincerely apologized.
"Fellow Daoist, you flatter me."
Xuan said, "Now that the truth is out and the Heavenly Punishment Hall is eyeing us covetously, we must go to the Star Ruins Ancient Road. If the Heavenly Punishment Hall gets there first, the consequences will be unimaginable."
“I am willing to offer this item, and I have another request. With the Xuanwu Zhentian Seal, I can help you break the ancient restrictions on the ancient road and resist the dangers of the void.”
"But if you have gained anything, I hope you can also give me a look at the Immortal Suppression Technique."
"That's exactly right!"
Ye Yang was overjoyed.
The Xuanwu Sacred Beast is exceptionally powerful, and its inheritance is extraordinary. Having it accompany us would undoubtedly provide more security for this trip.
He absorbed the Xuanwu Zhentian Seal into his body and nurtured it.
After leaving the forbidden area in the back mountain, Ye Yang did not rush to set off.
Although he had already obtained the Xuanwu Zhentian Seal, he was still aware of the situation.
The dangers of the Star Ruins Ancient Road are far from ordinary.
Even with the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal and the Black Tortoise Sacred Beast accompanying them, insufficient preparation could not guarantee complete safety.
He went straight back to the main hall of the Flying Heaven Sect and summoned several core elders of the sect.
"Master, why did you summon us here in such a hurry? Is there something important?"
Huo Bing Shuang spoke first, a hint of doubt in her eyes.
Ye Yang looked around at everyone and said in a deep voice.
"I am about to leave for some time to go to a dangerous place. My fate is uncertain, so before I go, I need your help to refine a few batches of pills."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone in the hall changed.
Gu Xuan frowned, knowing that Ye Yang wouldn't speak without reason, and hurriedly pressed for more information.
"Where is the Dao Ancestor going? Why is it so dangerous?"
"This matter is of great importance and cannot be discussed in detail at this time."
Ye Yang waved his hand.
"You all only need to know that if I return from this trip, the Flying Heaven Sect will surely reach a new level."
Seeing his solemn expression, the others did not ask any more questions and readily obeyed.
Ye Yang then gave the order, commanding his disciples to collect all kinds of spiritual herbs.
What he was going to refine were several high-grade Daoist medicines for preserving life and restoring magical power, all of which came from the Xuanwu Holy Sect's lineage.
Among them are the Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Pill, the Profound Origin Restoring Pulse Pill, and the Body-Protecting Vajra Pill.
These three kinds of pills are treasures that cultivators above the Nascent Soul Dao Realm dream of.
The Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill can instantly restore 50% of one's mana.
The Xuan Yuan Fu Mai Dan can repair damaged meridians and Dao foundation, while the Body Protecting Vajra Dan can withstand a fatal attack in a critical moment.
However, these pills are extremely difficult to refine, and ordinary alchemists simply cannot make them.
Fortunately, Ye Yang had cultivated the art of water-based alchemy for many years and was also blessed with the Xuanwu inheritance, so he was already highly skilled in alchemy.
He ordered people to build a temporary alchemy room next to the spiritual spring in the back mountain.
That spiritual spring is the foundation of the Flying Heaven Sect, rich in spiritual energy, making it ideal for refining high-level pills.
For the next two days, Ye Yang locked himself in the alchemy room.
He sat cross-legged in front of the alchemy furnace, his hands forming a mudra, and he chanted incantations.
As his incantation changed, the water from the spiritual spring rose out of thin air, transforming into a water dragon that swirled around the alchemy furnace.
This is the essence of water-based alchemy.
Using water as a medium and spiritual energy as fire, we refine the elixirs of heaven and earth.
Immediately afterwards, Ye Yang flicked his finger, and more than a dozen precious spiritual herbs were thrown into the alchemy furnace.
The water dragon then entered the furnace, enveloped all the medicinal herbs, and slowly refined them.
The entire process was smooth and effortless, without a trace of fuss, yet it was incredibly mysterious.
Under the gentle nurturing of water, the medicinal properties of the elixirs inside the furnace are gradually extracted, impurities are removed, and only the essence remains.
The first batch was refined into the Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Pill.
This elixir requires eighty-one water-based tempering processes, and each process must be flawless.
Ye Yang focused his mind and calmed his spirit, his hands constantly shifting as he imprinted water magic marks into the furnace.
Inside the alchemy furnace, the medicinal liquid gradually solidified and began to form pills.
When the seventy-ninth water ritual was performed, a soft hum suddenly came from inside the furnace.
A glint flashed in Ye Yang's eyes, and the hand seals in his hands suddenly accelerated.
The last two water spells were unleashed in succession, causing the alchemy furnace to tremble violently and then spew out three beams of spiritual light.
"It's done!"
Ye Yang raised his hand and three pills, each the size of a longan and entirely green, fell into his palm.
The surface of the pill had faint water ripples flowing around it, radiating a rich spiritual energy; it was indeed a top-grade Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill!
Next, Ye Yang followed the same method and successively refined five Xuan Yuan Fu Mai Dan and four Body Protecting Vajra Dan.
These pills are enough for him to deal with most of the dangers on the Star Ruins Ancient Road.
After carefully storing the pills, Ye Yang left the alchemy room.
It was the early morning of the third day, and the sky was just beginning to lighten.
He did not linger, but headed towards the Immortal Alliance.
In less than half an hour, he arrived at the Immortal Alliance's mountain gate.
The Immortal Alliance was more somber than ever before.
Inside and outside the mountain gate, disciples patrolled everywhere with swords, clearly to guard against the remnants of the Heavenly Punishment Hall.
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal was already waiting in the council hall.
Upon seeing Ye Yang arrive, he nodded slightly.
"You've come at the perfect time. Everything is ready on my side."
He raised his hand and waved it, and the three items floated in the air.
One piece was bronze armor, covered with ancient runes.
One of them was a magical artifact shaped like a compass, with its pointer constantly turning.
The last item was a jade talisman, emitting a soft glow.
"This bronze armor is called the Star Armor, which can withstand the fierce winds of the void; the compass is called the Pathfinder, which can guide the way in the Star Ruins Ancient Road."
"As for this jade talisman, it is a communication talisman that I refined with my natal sword energy. If you encounter danger, you can contact me immediately."
Ye Yang accepted the three magical treasures and said solemnly.
"Thank you, senior."
"You're welcome."
The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal smiled calmly.
"Since we are fellow travelers, we should look out for each other."
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a resolute look in each other's eyes. (End of Chapter)