Chapter 610: Path of Dao

The next moment, the paper figures moved more vigorously. Then, an eerie wind rose, swirling around the numerous paper figures, causing their bodies to sway.

The wind subsided. All the paper figures stood still.

Sun Lingtong immediately fell to his knees. The paper figure he had been inhabiting reverted to its original state, leaving his soul dim, lifeless, and extremely weak. He nearly fainted on the spot.

It took him a while to recover, and he said with lingering fear, "It's no good, Xiao Zhuo. Controlling this army of paper figures requires too much mechanical expertise. I'm not as skilled as you in this area; you'll have to do it!"

Ning Zhuo, who had been constantly observing Sun Lingtong through the Soul Thread, pondered for a moment before saying, "Boss, you're currently separated from your body and soul. This isn't your complete state, so it's normal that you can't do it. Of course, the standards my mother set here are indeed very high. Even if I were to come myself, I might not be able to activate them all. So, can you try to just deploy a portion of them?"

Sun Lingtong caught his breath and tried again. This time, he started small, working steadily and expanding rapidly. Ning Zhuo's suggestion indeed worked. Sun Lingtong quickly took control of three spear-and-shield soldiers at first. Once these paper soldiers were activated, they immediately transformed into lifelike, animated ghosts, just like the paper body Sun Lingtong had previously inhabited. Neither Sun Lingtong nor Ning Zhuo could spot any flaws.

Ning Zhuo suggested at the opportune moment, "Boss, prioritize the cavalry." Sun Lingtong readily agreed. There was only one type of cavalry in the paper figure army, leaving Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo no choice. Moments later, Sun Lingtong himself rode out on a ghost ox, followed by twelve ox-riders, emerging together from their hidden location.

The ghost ox was enormous, with black fur as dense as ink, resembling the deep night sky of the Underworld. Its horns were sharp as blades, its eyes gleamed with a cold, spectral light, and each step of its hooves produced a deep rumble. Sun Lingtong clutched the ghost ox's reins. As the ox galloped, his body naturally synchronized with its rhythm. He could clearly feel the immense power of the mount beneath him, making his heart grow steadier. The ghost ox's speed was far greater than what he could achieve on foot. An eerie wind swept across his face, carrying the distinctive damp, cold, and decaying scent of the Underworld. The land of the Underworld was vast and desolate, with only occasional wisps of residual souls and shadows drifting aimlessly. The ground was hard and slippery, but the ghost ox's hooves needed no avoidance; they simply crushed protruding rocks, steadily moving forward. Each thud of its hooves brought a tremor, as if the entire earth were responding to this immense power.

Sun Lingtong's mount was a perfect match for his paper figure body, making it seamless and effortless to control. The ghost ox could almost instantly discern his intentions, whether to turn, accelerate, or even leap.

"However, my connection with the other cavalrymen isn't very strong." Sun Lingtong looked behind him; these twelve ox-riders were the maximum he had managed to activate and bring forth.

Ning Zhuo timely reminded him, "Boss, while you're traveling, you might as well practice controlling them to see how far you can go, so you won't be caught off guard in battle." Sun Lingtong had the same thought, and after trying it, he found the situation was much better than he had expected. This was mainly because these paper figures, transformed into ghosts, possessed considerable sentience and were extremely obedient to Sun Lingtong's commands.

"If you were here, Xiao Zhuo, you'd probably be able to command ten times the troops I can!" "No, the Underworld is dangerous; it's better not to let Xiao Zhuo take risks." With this thought, Sun Lingtong's attention shifted to the Heavenly Mandate Talisman in his possession. As he traveled, he activated the talisman to continue enhancing his soul's foundation. Cultivating on an ox's back was a first for Sun Lingtong. However, the difficulty was not high. For one thing, an ox's back was far more stable than a horse's, and for another, Sun Lingtong wasn't practicing his own cultivation technique but rather using the talisman to nourish his soul, which was much less demanding.

Ning Zhuo then suggested, "Boss, why not send a few ox-riders out as scouts?" Sun Lingtong once again readily complied. After the cavalry squad had traveled for a short while, scouts returned to the main group, bringing the latest intelligence.

Upon hearing about a small pack of Azure Corpse Wolves hunting nearby, Sun Lingtong's eyes lit up. Ning Zhuo even directly suggested that Sun Lingtong lead his forces to engage them and test his combat strength. This was exactly what Sun Lingtong wanted to do! He immediately gave the order to change direction and head towards the wolf pack's hunting ground.

The Wolf King stood on a hillside, overlooking the battlefield, occasionally letting out a howl to command and reposition its pack. The herd of skeletal white deer struggled desperately; their leader, the Deer King, was already gravely wounded. The Wolf King seized the opportunity and lunged! Its sharp claws cut through the air with razor-like precision, and its fangs gleamed with an ethereal light. The Deer King was at its last gasp and, caught by surprise by the Wolf King's ambush, was bitten directly on the neck. It fought back with its last breath, its crown-like antlers piercing the Wolf King's abdomen, with the tip even protruding slightly from the wolf's back.

"What an opportunity!" Sun Lingtong rushed to the edge of the battlefield, witnessing this exact moment, and immediately ordered, "Charge!" He led the charge, with the cavalrymen behind him spurring their mounts and following close.

The Wolf King's pupils constricted. It struggled with all its might to quickly free itself from the antlers, simultaneously letting out a furious howl to direct its pack to intercept the cavalry. The wolf pack had no choice but to abandon the nearly captured deer herd and charge towards the ox-riders. The ghost oxen let out low roars, their hooves thundering like thunder, forming a wedge formation with Sun Lingtong at its tip, accelerating even further. Just before impact, the ghost oxen all lowered their heads, pointing their horns forward, while the riders held their spears level.

Thump, thump, thump… One by one, the Azure Corpse Wolves were directly smashed into fragments, scattering in all directions. The wolf pack's formation was instantly ripped apart; the ox-riders swept through them with overwhelming force! In the blink of an eye, the wolf pack was almost completely annihilated, leaving only the severely wounded Wolf King.

The Wolf King cried out in despair. It broke free, but instead of retaliating, it turned and fled. "Hahaha, chase them!" Sun Lingtong shouted. The ox-riders pursued relentlessly. But despite its severe injuries, the Wolf King's speed remained uncompromised. As it fled, it used ghostly arts, tail tucked between its legs, moving at a speed that astonished even Sun Lingtong. "Ah, what a pity about that Wolf King!" In the end, Sun Lingtong could only sigh with regret, unable to catch it.

Sun Lingtong's first battle yielded significant gains. Both Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo were quite satisfied with the ox-cavalry's combat prowess, but they also discovered a drawback: the ox-cavalry were heavy cavalry, excellent at powerful charges, but their charge speed and combat effectiveness would significantly decrease over longer distances.

Having tested the ox-cavalry's combat strength, Sun Lingtong continued his journey. He had only one destination: Water Burial Valley! Meng Yaoyin had only made arrangements, not providing Ning Zhuo with a specific solution. However, she had mentioned a key individual: the Old Man of Gray Bones. Given that the Old Man of Gray Bones was skilled in divination and considering Luo Si's previous interactions with him, both Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo decided to visit him first to seek a solution.

White Paper Immortal City.

Vigor Cultivation Institute.

Sun Tiesheng was led by a paper puppet into a small courtyard.

"Junior pays respects to Lord Li!" Sun Tiesheng bowed respectfully to Li Xiangshang. Then, he greeted the other cultivator sitting nearby, "Director Zhao."

Director Zhao, who managed the Vigor Cultivation Institute, smiled at Sun Tiesheng, then pointed to him and introduced him to Li Xiangshang: "Lord Li, this Sun Tiesheng is currently the most outstanding talent we have at the Vigor Cultivation Institute. You have excellent taste; you picked him out right away!"

Li Xiangshang nodded, most of his face hidden beneath his bamboo hat, making his exact expression unreadable. Upon hearing this, Sun Tiesheng's heart subtly quickened. "Could it be that my opportunity has arrived?!"

Li Xiangshang first silently scrutinized Sun Tiesheng. He had come to the Vigor Cultivation Institute, requested the profiles of all its members, and carefully selected from them. Ultimately, Sun Tiesheng was chosen. Li Xiangshang took out a treasure from his storage bag and presented it for the other two to see. Sun Tiesheng immediately cast his gaze upon it, his heart filled with fervent anticipation. The treasure was palm-sized, resembling a bird's nest. Each golden strand shimmered with a five-colored halo, and deep within the nest lay a vibrant red object, like a tiny heart or a seed. The entire golden nest emanated a demonic aura. Li Xiangshang introduced it: "As you two can see, this is a Golden Nest Demonic Seed, possessing the Golden Swallow bloodline. As long as you, Sun Tiesheng, integrate this demonic seed into your body according to the secret method, not only will your Yang energy surge, but you will also gain Golden Swallow demonic blood! With this, your chances of obtaining the Golden Swallow Fork will be at least seventy percent."

Director Zheng was overjoyed, clapping his hands and laughing heartily: "Excellent! Sun Tiesheng, your luck is truly remarkable. To receive such support, why don't you accept it quickly?"

However, Sun Tiesheng's expression changed dramatically, becoming cold and indifferent. His initial fervor turned to icy coolness. He slowly shook his head, his expression grim: "I apologize, but I cannot accept."

Li Xiangshang grunted in surprise, not having expected such a reaction from Sun Tiesheng. Director Zheng let out a startled sound and was about to speak, but Sun Tiesheng preemptively cut him off, bowing with clasped hands: "If this is the only method, then this junior cannot accept it. I shall take my leave now." After speaking, he looked up at Li Xiangshang, who wore a puzzled expression. Sun Tiesheng bowed again, then turned and walked away. He left the room without looking back, leaving Li Xiangshang and Director Zheng behind.

"This…" Li Xiangshang asked Director Zheng, "Does this Sun Tiesheng have some unspoken difficulty?"

Director Zheng chuckled awkwardly.

Li Xiangshang: "Sun Tiesheng was the most suitable candidate. Why did he refuse?"

Director Zheng let out a bitter laugh: "It's likely because of the demonic seed."

Li Xiangshang exclaimed, "Why wouldn't he want it?"

Director Zheng explained: "Lord Li, as a dedicated cultivator focused solely on the Dao, you may not be aware of this inner reason. Sun Tiesheng is a pure human. If he absorbs an external demonic seed and transforms into a half-human, half-demon, it will inevitably diminish his future prospects."

Only then did Li Xiangshang understand: "Humans are the spirits of all creation! As a pure demon, I have spent almost my entire life in rigorous cultivation, only now being appointed and dispatched by my master to actively carry out tasks. I truly hadn't realized this point. If Sun Tiesheng is unwilling, must I select someone else? I've already reviewed your list, and his cultivation is the closest to the Golden Core stage."

Director Zheng chuckled and waved his hand: "Sun Tiesheng's personal attitude isn't the key. Lord Li, why don't we approach the Sun family instead?"

Li Xiangshang blinked: "What do you mean by that?"

Director Zheng hadn't expected that such an obvious strategy would require further explanation from him. However, constrained by Li Xiangshang's status, he patiently explained: "The Sun family is a cultivation clan within the Immortal City. The entire clan hopes Sun Tiesheng can obtain the Golden Swallow Fork to solidify their position in the city. Sun Tiesheng was selected and supported by the Sun family; he originally came from a humble background, merely the illegitimate son of a blacksmith. We'll approach the Sun family, explain the benefits and risks, and let them persuade their own son."

Li Xiangshang slapped his thigh: "Brilliant! This method won't offend anyone and will save us a lot of trouble. My master sent me to do this work, and indeed, there's knowledge in all worldly affairs. I've learned something, thank you, Brother Zheng."

Director Zheng, only at the Foundation Establishment stage of cultivation, quickly clasped his hands and bowed: "You flatter me, you flatter me."

Once the two had settled their plan, they immediately arranged a banquet and invited the Sun family patriarch to attend.

The Sun family patriarch, seeing an invitation from Director Zheng and even the Golden Core-level Li Xiangshang, gladly attended the banquet. During the banquet, upon learning the full story, he immediately, fueled by alcohol, slapped his chest and assured the two that he would definitely order Sun Tiesheng to accept the matter! "That mere illegitimate son, reaching where he is today, is all thanks to our family's cultivation, disregarding his past status! If he refuses, he will not be listed in the family genealogy in the future, nor will he have a memorial tablet in the ancestral hall after death!!" The Sun family patriarch ranted like this at the banquet.

Back within the clan, he immediately summoned Sun Tiesheng's father. Sun Tiesheng's father immediately called Sun Tiesheng back to the family grounds to confess his 'sins'. However, in front of the patriarch and his father, Sun Tiesheng abandoned his usual quiet demeanor, his face resolute, and refused on the spot. His stance was unwavering: "That's impossible! Using a demonic seed is a shortcut. While it may benefit the family, and truly benefit the overall situation of White Paper Immortal City, it uniquely disadvantages me. If it lowers my future potential, I'd rather not have this opportunity!"

The Sun family patriarch and Sun's father, having never been refused like this before, were both somewhat enraged. Sun's father rebuked him. But Sun Tiesheng stood ramrod straight, hands clasped behind his back, and sneered defiantly, "This is a struggle for my cultivation path; I will never compromise!" Seeing his son's formidable dignity, Sun's father was unable to continue scolding and looked somewhat dumbfounded. The Sun family patriarch, as if seeing Sun Tiesheng for the first time, found himself in an awkward position and could only wave his hand, allowing Sun Tiesheng to withdraw for now. He and Sun's father were left in silence.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, taking the initiative: "I hadn't realized a unicorn child would emerge in my Sun family!" His face flushed, he cupped his hands and apologized to Sun's father: "This matter was my misjudgment; I handled it improperly. I hope you can forgive me."

Sun's father quickly waved his hand: "To be honest, it's the first time I've seen this rascal's true nature."

The Sun family patriarch praised him: "An excellent nature! Among this generation of the Sun family, he is the only one with such resolve. The future pillar of the Sun family can only be him." Sun's father quickly demurred, saying the patriarch thought too highly of his unworthy son.

The Sun family patriarch deliberated: "According to current trends, Chen Sui and Shen Bing are both dead, so Tiesheng has no rivals at the Vigor Cultivation Institute. Even if Li Xiangshang wanted to give it to someone else, who else could he give the Golden Nest Demonic Seed to? There's no one else. This leaves us room for strategy and negotiation. To be honest, I also don't want the future pillar of our Sun family to be a half-human, half-demon!"

The Underworld.

Water Burial Valley.

Sun Lingtong and his ox-cavalry squad arrived nearby and were suddenly surrounded by an ambush.

"Apprehend these suspicious individuals!" the ambush leader ordered loudly. Sun Lingtong was startled. These people had ambushed them too deeply; he hadn't noticed them at all. By the time he did, it was already too late. In his haste, Sun Lingtong shouted, demanding, "Who are you people? How dare you ambush me!?"

The ambush leader sneered: "Ask us? If we told you, you'd be scared to death! We are the personal guards of the Lord of Oblivion's River! Our lord has issued a strict order: no one is to approach Water Burial Valley! Anyone who dares to contact the Old Man of Gray Bones will be immediately apprehended!!"

Oblivion's River Immortal City.

The Lord of Oblivion's River sat cross-legged, gazing at the Heavenly Ghost Skull before him, his eyes profound. His century-long plan was finally set to bear fruit today. He intended to nip any unfavorable changes in the bud. Sending troops to surround Water Burial Valley and isolate the Old Man of Gray Bones was part of these preparations. After all, the Old Man of Gray Bones was privy to certain details. Even if this action offended the diviner, the Lord of Oblivion's River would not hesitate. "This is my path to the Dao, after all."