Chapter 1975: Out of the World

The earth cracked and mountains collapsed. Endless magma spewed forth, spreading like a haze in the sky before losing momentum and crashing back to the ground. Infernal flames reached the heavens, and thick smoke billowed. The desert was transformed into a sea of fire.

The fissures continued to widen, as if an inexhaustible supply of magma had accumulated underground, finally finding an outlet and erupting. Under this apocalyptic scene, the destruction of ancient restrictions and the secret realm unleashed a terrifying force capable of incinerating cultivators to ashes, a power that would make even Nascent Soul cultivators tremble with fear. Even though the Nine Immortals of Yundu had gathered here, each possessing formidable abilities, none dared to brave such an impact and charge in.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The Nine Immortals of Yundu watched helplessly as the stone pillars before them were engulfed by magma, and the secret realm was instantly unrecognizable. They had originally intended to use the Cloud Weapon Profound Array to suppress the eruption and conceal the anomaly, but now they realized how ludicrous their plan was. The simultaneous destruction of the secret realm and the ancient restrictions of the Coiled Dragon Ancient Array meant the power was more than just additive; their immediate concern was self-preservation!

"No good! Retreat quickly!" Yun Xi cried out in alarm.

In just one encounter, the Cloud Weapon Profound Array, formed by nine Nascent Soul cultivators wielding nine different profound weapons, was shaken. "Bang bang bang!" The profound weapons vibrated wildly, threatening to be flung away at any moment. The Nine Immortals of Yundu's full efforts were futile. Fortunately, their cultivation levels were not weak, and they had great tacit understanding, reacting swiftly by immediately recalling their profound weapons.

"Whoosh!" Nine sharp gleams flashed within the magma, piercing through it and shooting back to encircle the nine individuals. The nine profound weapons wobbled precariously; one fiery spear even had its tip pointed at its owner. The Cloud Weapon Profound Array appeared deformed and was extremely difficult to operate.

"Boom!" In an instant, a furious power slammed into them. The Cloud Weapon Profound Array bore the brunt of the attack. The nine rays of profound weapon light were instantly engulfed by the flames, seemingly extinguished, and swept towards the ground by the magma. The moment they burst from the ground, one side of the magma was torn open, revealing the figures of the Nine Immortals of Yundu. The nine men breathed heavily. Though unharmed under the protection of the Cloud Weapon Profound Array, they wore expressions of lingering fear. Without hesitation, they rushed outwards without looking back. They knew that a priceless treasure, possibly related to the Coiled Dragon Ancient Array, might lie deep within the secret realm, but at that moment, no one dared to enter and retrieve it.

"Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling!"

Having escaped danger, the Nine Immortals of Yundu relaxed. They were immediately startled by the ringing sound and, with surprised glances, looked at the Golden Dragon Ring Bell at Yun Xi's waist. Generally, when ruins are unearthed, the more significant the part of the Coiled Dragon Ancient Array, the more intensely the Golden Dragon Ring Bell reacts. The urgency of the ringing was unprecedented!

Yun Xi gasped, about to speak, when he suddenly felt something and sharply scanned to one side. In the direction he looked, a faint gray mist, barely noticeable without close inspection, was hidden within the thick smoke. Within the gray mist, a figure faintly appeared; it was a master from the Soulfall Abyss, drawn by the commotion.

This individual's monastic name was Chibi, sharing a name with an ancient auspicious beast. His physique was exceptionally burly, more formidable and robust than a bear. His eyes were blood-red, and his gaze was fierce, like a bloodthirsty beast. Upon seeing the Nine Immortals of Yundu emerge from the magma, Chibi immediately suppressed his ferocity. Though he was naturally fierce, he was not reckless. Yun Xi alone was no weaker than him, and with all Nine Immortals of Yundu present, being surrounded would mean certain doom.

Chibi's entire body tensed, his bones emitting a dull thunder. He leaped backward, his figure suddenly blurring like a large bird, moving at an astonishing speed. This was a highly advanced escape technique from the Soulfall Abyss called 'Form-Concealing Evasion,' which required a powerful physical body to execute. As he leaped, several black lines shot out from Chibi's waist. Each black line was a small black insect, shaped like a ground beetle, with a long, pointed tail, vibrating wings as thin as cicada wings, and emitting a sound similar to a cicada's chirp. These ground beetles were specially cultivated corpse beetles, used exclusively for communication. Ordinary seals or similar methods could not block them.

"Pop! Pop! Pop!" The black lines exploded into bursts of bloody mist as the corpse beetles self-destructed. The Nine Immortals of Yundu naturally witnessed this scene. Their expressions changed, realizing that the news had leaked and that Soulfall Abyss masters would soon arrive. They didn't know how long this destruction would last. They had to find a way to break into the depths of the secret realm and retrieve the treasure before Chibi's reinforcements arrived. Otherwise, a fierce battle was inevitable, and it was uncertain who would ultimately claim the prize.

Chibi was even more anxious than they were. He was outnumbered and powerless to stop the Nine Immortals of Yundu. However, the reaction of the Blazing Heart Jade indicated that whatever was underground might be more important than all previously unearthed secret realms. He couldn't just stand by and watch the Nine Immortals of Yundu succeed, or his master would never forgive him. Chibi had a premonition that the Nascent Soul war, which both sects had deliberately avoided, might be about to unfold prematurely.

Just as he was burning with anxiety, he sensed a familiar aura approaching, and his heart brightened. "'Feiluo, you're here.'"

Soon after, a streak of light approached; it was Feiluo, who had also sensed the fluctuations and rushed over. Feiluo also held a piece of Blazing Heart Jade, which emitted a dazzling light. He nodded to Chibi and looked at the earth's fissures, his expression solemn. Chibi's figure shifted slightly, standing shoulder to shoulder with Feiluo.

"'I recall you once mentioning that the Blazing Heart Jade had an abnormal reaction back then?'" Feiluo hummed in affirmation. Two hundred years ago, shortly after he entered the Fire Domain, the Blazing Heart Jade suddenly shone. Though not as bright as now, it was still unusual. Unfortunately, that instance only lasted a short time, and it has been the only one until now. For years, he had traveled extensively across the Fire Domain, trying to uncover the reason behind that glow, suspecting that a more important ruin had yet to be unearthed.

"Was this the source?" Feiluo was almost certain. Back then, a small-scale eruption likely occurred here, with fluctuations leaking out and triggering the Blazing Heart Jade. Even from a distance, it caused the Blazing Heart Jade to shine considerably. They were the first to discover it, but they failed to seize the opportunity, allowing Yundutian to get there first.

"'What do we do now?' Chibi asked." Feiluo was most familiar with the Coiled Dragon Ancient Array ruins and might have a way to enter underground and get there first. However, achieving this right under the noses of the Nine Immortals of Yundu would be incredibly difficult. In the distance, the Nine Immortals of Yundu were watching, their eyes filled with vigilance, clearly on guard against them. Yun Xi assigned three individuals to keep a close watch on the corpse demons, while the others discussed how to retrieve the treasure.

Within the Fire Domain, powerful auras sped towards the south. A storm was brewing, and a tense atmosphere permeated the Fire Domain. A major battle was on the verge of breaking out. However, neither the Nine Immortals of Yundu nor the Soulfall Abyss masters realized that the moment the Coiled Dragon Heavenly Pillar emerged, the situation had already spiraled beyond their control. The emergence of the Coiled Dragon Heavenly Pillar, this time completely unconcealed, its unique fluctuations fully exposed to the world, caused two types of artifacts to react intensely, and were simultaneously sensed by two Old Ancestors.

Soulfall Abyss.

In Jingzang's tranquil cave, his figure was hidden in shadows as he deduced the situation. In his mind, the human realm unfolded. Every nation, every faction, was displayed within it. Old Ancestor Minghu had commanded him to control the overall situation. Although his life wasn't in danger, it was extremely taxing on his mind. Yundutian's entry into the game hadn't followed his wishes. Their several moves were unexpected, attempts to steer the situation in their favor. This caught Jingzang somewhat off guard, yet it was also within his expectations.

"Yundutian..." Jingzang murmured these three words when he suddenly felt his cave dwelling's restrictions being touched. Frowning, he commanded, "'Enter!'" A glimmer of light appeared at the entrance, and a person walked in, bowing and saying, "'Master, Martial Uncle Wu has sent another Yin Essence Diamond.'" Jingzang grunted, extending his hand to summon it. It was a finger-sized black diamond. The black diamond emitted a metallic luster, with a wisp of gray aura constantly flowing within it, continually revealing various grotesque human faces. Innumerable souls were imprisoned inside. These souls were collected from human battlefields. In these chaotic times, with war raging everywhere, countless lives were lost. With countless departed souls available for the taking, and a sea of blood engulfing the human world, overflowing with resentment, this was precisely what the devils desired. This was also one of Jingzang's intentions.

Jingzang waved his hand, dismissing his disciple. He opened his mouth and swallowed the black diamond, just about to refine it, when his expression suddenly changed. He instantly appeared by the Black River. Jingzang was greatly astonished by the changes in the Black River. A vortex appeared on the river's surface, the water surging towards both banks, and the river's center gradually parted, revealing an ancient stone staircase. The stone staircase led directly to the riverbed, its interior dark and chilling, like a tomb passage.

"Crack, crack, crack..." From below, the sound of a stone door moving was heard, and a sinister yet immensely powerful aura emanated from the ground. In the presence of this aura, Jingzang felt his mind tremble, fear sprouting in his heart and spreading uncontrollably throughout his body. It was as if an unparalleled demonic fiend was about to awaken—none other than the Soulfall Abyss Patriarch, Old Ancestor Minghu! Throughout the entire Soulfall Abyss, only a few individuals were qualified to approach the Black River, and Jingzang was one of them. Previously, with the Black River obstructing it, the oppressive aura from Old Ancestor Minghu was far less terrifying.

"'Master's cultivation has advanced again!'" Jingzang was both surprised and delighted. He promptly knelt, proclaiming, "'Disciple greets Master!'" He lowered his head, catching a glimpse from the corner of his eye: shadows, like water, spread outward from the depths of the stone staircase, and a figure stepped forth, walking on the shadows. Heavy footsteps, one after another, resonated as if in his very heart, bringing an even more terrifying pressure. Jingzang, a corpse cultivator, felt as if he were drowning at that moment, his eyes filled with profound reverence.

The person from underground ascended step by step. The mysterious Old Ancestor Minghu gradually revealed his form from the shadows. His height and build were no different from an ordinary person, and his face was that of an old man. The terrifying number of wrinkles on his face, coupled with his pallid skin, made him appear extremely ancient. He seemed decrepit, yet showed no signs of decline. However, a chilling aura constantly emanated from him, as if he were a corpse freshly awakened from a tomb. Beneath his wrinkles, his eyes were murky and dull, his greyish-white eyeballs devoid of luster. Yet, gazing into these eyes, one could feel that his gaze was like a chaotic void, yet also all-encompassing, devouring all vitality. The longer one looked, the more one felt the terror of these eyes; fear unknowingly planted itself deep within the heart, extinguishing any thought of resistance.

Jingzang, keenly aware of his master's power, dared not lift his head, seeing only his master's legs. These legs were extremely strange; at first glance, they appeared to be clad in armor, but upon closer inspection, the armor's patterns seemed to be carved directly onto the skin, covering Old Ancestor Minghu's entire body. It was unclear whether the armor had been refined into his flesh or if armor had grown out of his body, but the two were fused into an inseparable whole.

"'Congratulations, Master, on the completion of your divine art!'" Jingzang cried out, still kneeling. He couldn't discern if his master had truly completed the art, but if not, why would he emerge from seclusion?

"'Heh heh...'" Old Ancestor Minghu looked eastward, emitting a chilling chuckle. The laughter was eerie, but Jingzang, familiar with his master, detected a hint of joy in it. His mind immediately relaxed, and he chimed in, "'Master, what brings you such joy? Is there some good news?'"

"'The emergence of the Coiled Dragon Heavenly Pillar can indeed be called a joyous occasion!'" Old Ancestor Minghu took a step into the air and vanished instantly. His master's aura could no longer be sensed throughout the entire Soulfall Abyss. Jingzang's face showed astonishment. If he wasn't mistaken, this was his master's first departure from the Soulfall Abyss in a thousand years. His master personally emerging meant that the situation they had painstakingly crafted was likely to become utterly useless!

Yundu Mountain.

Deep within the mountains, strange peaks soared, wreathed in clouds and mist, presenting an ethereal, immortal landscape. Passing through the clouds and mist, the scenery within the mountains came into view, which could rightly be called a magnificent immortal abode. Compared to this place, Qin Sang's cultivation grounds could only be considered a desolate backwater. Exotic stones, auspicious beasts, spiritual trees, and rare flowers. Amidst splendid palaces, cultivators gathered and moved about, each extraordinary, with exceptional talent. This was the location of Yundutian's mountain gate, the paramount force of Yundu Mountain.

Within the mountain gate, immortal peaks rose one above another, like successive tiers reaching to the heavens, with the highest peak serving as the sect's sacred ground. At the summit of the highest peak, where stars seemed within reach, there was only a simple thatched hut. The thatched hut was surrounded by clear springs, and a clump of purple bamboo grew by the spring water. These purple bamboos emitted a strange luster; though extremely slender, they were extraordinarily tough, a rare spiritual bamboo in the world. The profound weapons used by the Nine Immortals of Yundu were primarily made from this bamboo.

The mountain wind blew, and the bamboo leaves rustled. Inside the thatched hut, a young man seemed to be awakened by the sound and opened his eyes. The moment he opened them, captivating profound light flickered within his eyes, then vanished in an instant. The young man's appearance was very youthful, a stark contrast to Old Ancestor Minghu. His gaze was not as eerie as Minghu's; it was gentle, like that of a benevolent elder, yet it didn't feel contradictory. This person was none other than the Grand Patriarch of Yundutian, Solitary Cloud Elder. A purple bamboo staff leaned beside him, and he sat on a cushion woven from bamboo leaves. There was nothing else.

He turned his head to look west, slightly moved. After a moment of contemplation, a streak of light flew from his body, his Dharma Body leaving his physical form. The Dharma Body's appearance was identical to his true self, but its aura seemed even more ethereal. The purple bamboo staff flew up on its own, landing in the Dharma Body's hand. Immediately, the Dharma Body moved, reappearing outside the mountain gate. The disciples of Yundutian noticed nothing. Only the current Sect Master of Yundutian, who was meditating in a grand hall in the front mountains, heard the spiritual message and awakened with a start. Upon learning the details, his face filled with shock, and he hastily emerged from seclusion.

Qin Sang probably hadn't anticipated such an extraordinary effect from his move. Immediately upon its emergence, it had alarmed two Void Refinement cultivators!