Chapter 2007: Defying the Ban

"Shennong Hundred Herbs!"

The moment the Lamenting Imperial Realm transformed into the Medicinal Ancestor's Divine Court, the malevolent Yin within the Life Seed also sensed it, crying out in an unwilling voice.

Just a fraction too late!

It had intended to accumulate more power, observe the changes in the Lamenting Imperial Realm, and then make its move.

Who would have thought that the Medicinal Ancestor's Return to Zero would also happen in an instant?

Whether its power would need time to adapt after Return to Zero was unknown.

But being half a step late meant that the malevolent Yin would no longer be facing a weakened Ancestor God in a "Return to Zero phase," but rather an Ancestor God who had completed "Return to Zero"!

But...

There was no turning back!

It knew that after the Medicinal Ancestor's Return to Zero, its first step would inevitably be to refine itself into a World Tree. Only then would the Medicinal Ancestor avoid the predicament of the Eight Revered Adepts, having power but being unable to wield it.

Therefore, in such a situation, waiting for a perfect moment to strike would inevitably lead to death.

"The Will of Northern Sophora will surely make a move as well..."

"Dao Qiongcang's Path of Memory is extraordinary, and he also covets the Medicinal Ancestor's power..."

"Xu Xiaoshou is temporarily unaware of the situation, but Dao Qiongcang went for him, so he must not be simple. At the very least, his Extreme State of Intent and his Path of Time are extraordinary. Will he also intervene in the struggle for the Medicinal Ancestor's power?"

The malevolent Yin knew the situation was complex and understood the principle of the nail that sticks out getting hammered. It desperately wanted one of these three to make the first move, to help it gauge the Medicinal Ancestor's strength after Return to Zero.

Impossible!

Didn't those three have the same thought?

In other words, even knowing there was a tiger in the mountain, it still had to explore the path itself, because after much deliberation, there was no better alternative.

"Then I shall investigate!"

Having already achieved the Myriad Transformations of Self, completely corrupted and free from any lingering influence of the Art Ancestor, the malevolent Yin suddenly broke free from the Life Seed's constraints, shattering its outer shell.

All distracting thoughts were instantly purged.

In that moment, it had only one thought.

If one came, kill one; if two came, kill two. Anyone who dared to stop it from seizing the Path would be killed, without exception!

Thus, a "boom" echoed above the Ghost-Buddha Realm.

The colossal Life Seed, which had been intertwined with roots and vines like a tree cocoon, standing dozens of feet tall, completely shattered.

"Buzz!"

A dazzling, eerie purple light radiated, capturing the attention of all Spirit Refiners in the Five Domains.

Under the focused gaze from monitoring points across the domains, the people of the Five Domains clearly saw that the Life Seed above the Ghost-Buddha Realm was gone, replaced by a figure standing in the void, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.

It stood upon a skull throne, with a wild and uninhibited posture, a slender physique, three heads and six arms. Its facial contours still bore the shadow of Yuegong Li, eerie yet handsome.

However, on each of its three faces, there were three amethyst-like pupils vertically set in the center of the brow, their piercing gazes radiating killing intent.

One eye peered into the past.

One eye surveyed the present.

One eye gazed into the future.

The three Eyes of Malevolent Yin looked in three separate directions.

Thick, powerful purple mist billowed forth, like the new wind of life sweeping across the Five Domains, signifying that the malevolent Yin, having emerged from the Life Seed, had also ushered in a powerful rebirth, surpassing its period as Ancestor Li.

Furthermore, this rebirth was not merely a transformation on the power level; it also carried a do-or-die resolve.

"Ancestor Li..."

"No, it's the malevolent Yin!"

"Malevolent Yin, has it returned to Zero?"

Even though the Eight Revered Adepts had undergone Return to Zero earlier, people had only seen one Ancestor God who had completed Return to Zero so far, making it impossible to judge the malevolent Yin's current state.

However, comparing their auras, the two were incredibly close in level. The only distinct and clearly visible difference was:

The Eight Revered Adepts had achieved a perfect Return to Zero, with both their Path and power perfected, and the balance between Path and power exquisitely mastered, perfectly embodying "Yin-Yang balance, unity of person and sword."

The malevolent Yin, on the other hand, was more like an unrivaled force in a single direction. Leaving aside its state of mind, Dao techniques, and insights, its current madness, obsession, and desperation closely resembled the Eight Revered Adepts in their 'Yi' state, transitioning from Yin-Yang equality into a completely 'Yang' state, or battle state.

Its combat power was yet to be determined.

How long this state could be maintained was also unknown.

However, there was no doubt that the malevolent Yin had arrived with murderous intent!

The unrest in the Five Domains had just subsided, and the great battle between Shen Yi and the Demonic Ancestor's body, spirit, and will had just concluded. The malevolent Yin's appearance at this moment surely signaled a move!

"Who will the malevolent Yin target?"

This question flashed through everyone's minds.

Yet, at the same time, they recalled the spring breeze that had just swept across the Five Domains, and the life aura capable of reviving even the dead.

"Shennong Hundred Herbs!"

"Is the malevolent Yin going to fight the Medicinal Ancestor?"

At this moment, based purely on first instinct, no one could fathom why the malevolent Yin would suddenly choose to battle the Medicinal Ancestor; it seemed far too risky.

Nor could anyone conceive how the malevolent Yin might turn the tables.

After all, when the Medicinal Ancestor had previously fled, everyone knew it was to undergo Return to Zero. Its return now surely indicated a successful outcome—it could only be a good one, otherwise, how would it dare to return?

And the malevolent Yin, along with the Life Seed, had originally been under the Medicinal Ancestor's control.

The animosity between the two was understandable, but the malevolent Yin, even if it had broken free from the Life Seed and harbored other intentions, was far too weak. It couldn't be even a fraction of its peak strength, could it?

Under such circumstances, what could the malevolent Yin possibly use to contend with the Medicinal Ancestor in its perfect state?

Could it rely on sheer passion and visibly projected killing intent?

If such intangible things could achieve its goals, why would the Medicinal Ancestor need so many schemes? If stubborn resolve alone led to success, the cultivators of the Five Domains would have sealed countless Ancestor Gods by now!

However...

While incomprehensible, it was clear.

The malevolent Yin's choice at this moment was undeniable and incredibly resolute, as if, apart from charging in head-on, it had no other recourse, not even a slight strategic maneuver.

"Forbidden Art: Seed Origin Recalibration!"

Above the Ghost-Buddha Realm, the malevolent Yin conjured an art.

Instantly, countless purple threads radiated from its three-headed, six-armed body, rooting themselves into the Dao laws, the heavens and earth, and the living beings of the Five Domains.

"Ugh, ahhh—"

The Southern Domain was most affected.

Almost half of the cultivators were struck by this art of the malevolent Yin, screaming in agony.

In mere moments, their power was drained, and even their life aura was completely devoured.

Streams of energy gurgled along the purple threads, all returning to the Art Seeds refined within the malevolent Yin's body.

However, compared to the power of the Life Elixir Pool which it couldn't extract from Northern Sophora's memories, the malevolent Yin itself understood that this meager replenishment of power...

...was better than nothing!

"Buzz!"

At the Crossroads, the Blood World Bead in Dao Qiongcang's hand trembled.

The black cloth covering it was pierced by purple threads shot from the void. Clearly, the malevolent Yin had targeted the Blood World Bead.

It had been to the Crossroads before.

It knew what was inside.

It even knew the precise location of the Blood World Bead and who possessed it. This was a blatant attempt to forcibly seize it from Dao Qiongcang, demanding it even if it wasn't given willingly!

"The Apricot Realm is also stirring..."

Xu Xiaoshou's expression shifted, and he spoke out in surprise.

By this time, he had already inquired about all the Life Elixir Pool locations known to Northern Sophora and had traveled far and wide.

After the Medicinal Ancestor's Return to Zero, the signs were very clear.

He immediately retreated to the Crossroads, daring not to act rashly.

Naturally, he also returned the Intact Sophora Heart to Northern Sophora's body, as if nothing had happened, or if it had, it had nothing to do with Mr. Xu, as it was all Northern Sophora's doing.

Indeed, that was the case.

Under the full-power guidance of the Intent Dao Compass, coupled with the Medicinal Ancestor's indifference to the outside world during its Return to Zero period.

Xu Xiaoshou firmly believed that as long as the Medicinal Ancestor didn't actively investigate, no one would notice the true nature of the Life Elixir Pools, which had long been emptied.

Naturally, if the malevolent Yin intended to use this art to cast a wide net and try its luck at finding a Life Elixir Pool—it was deluding itself!

Yet, even without discussing dreams, Xu Xiaoshou simultaneously discovered that all the treasures he had forcibly acquired earlier from the malevolent Yin's "Divine Concealment and Return to Ruins" Art Ancestor's Divine Court in the Divine Ruins were also targeted by the malevolent Yin, just like the Blood World Bead.

"Give it to it."

"To use a tiger to hunt a wolf, you must first feed the tiger."

Dao Qiongcang appeared very calm, showing no reluctance to part with the Blood World Bead, and loosened his grip.

With a bundle and a tug of the purple threads, the Blood World Bead vanished.

"Give it?"

Xu Xiaoshou naturally didn't covet those treasures.

However, after leaving the Divine Ruins, he had assimilated a portion himself, and his subordinates like Li Fugui and Zhu Yike had also assimilated some.

Additionally, a large quantity of precious materials had been requested by Aunt Xiang and used to restore Shen Yi's physical body.

Although it couldn't compare to the Elephant World Spider Lotus Crystal, it at least restored a section of Shen Yi's body, and Shen Yi's body already bore the malevolent Yin's brand.

What hadn't been assimilated could be given.

But what about those that had been consumed or used? Would they have to return them, along with the people, several times over?

"Hmph!"

A cold snort boomed above the Apricot Realm.

A phantom figure solidified, with three Dao plates—Body, Spirit, and Intent—manifesting beneath its feet. Suddenly, the three plates converged into its body, revealing the profound mysteries of the sword.

The figure was like Hua Changdeng reborn. After integrating its comprehension of Body, Spirit, and Intent into the character for 'sword,' sword intent surged around it, shaping three great swords.

The Three Swords of the Sword Ghost: Body Ghost, Intent Ghost, and Spirit Ghost!

"Malevolent Yin, you demand too much!"

The Intent Ghost, a sword strike appearing as Zang Ku, flew out in response.

Immediately, the purple threads that were about to pierce the Apricot Realm's inhabitants were all severed. Everyone received a new lease on life, shouting, "Long live Master Shou!"

The Three Swords of the Sword Ghost, whose lineage had been completely severed, suddenly reappearing in the Apricot Realm genuinely startled the malevolent Yin.

Its first thought was even that the Apricot Realm had been taken over by the Medicinal Ancestor.

After all, Hua Changdeng had never escaped the shadow of the Ghost Ancestor even in death, and the Ghost Ancestor was essentially just one aspect of the Medicinal Ancestor. Thus, the Three Swords of the Sword Ghost could, of course, be understood as the Medicinal Ancestor's ability.

However, when it quickly realized that these three swords were no longer in the form of the Ghost Hunter but rather Zang Ku, the malevolent Yin was astonished and fell silent.

"Hua Changdeng's insights could absolutely not have been taught to Xu Xiaoshou..."

"Even if he had descendants inheriting his peerless knowledge, it would be impossible to replicate the Three Swords of the Sword Ghost, powerful enough to shatter the Body, Spirit, Intent, and Self of the Eight Revered Adepts before their Return to Zero. Even Shennong Hundred Herbs probably couldn't learn it..."

"Does that mean Xu Xiaoshou merely observed from the sidelines and comprehended the Sword Ghost, learning it for himself?"

At this moment, the malevolent Yin's astonishment was no less than when it had witnessed the Eight Revered Adepts' single-step Return to Zero.

It had long known Xu Xiaoshou was extraordinary, having told the Demonic Ancestor and the Medicinal Ancestor about him during their alliance period, but they hadn't believed it.

Now, Xu Xiaoshou had once again validated its suspicions.

This boy was capable of fighting Ancestor Gods. He had learned Hua Changdeng's Sword Ghost at a glance, and the Eight Revered Adepts' Sword-Self was imparted to him through personal teaching and experience. Did this mean he could also achieve a single-step... or at least, a half-step Return to Zero?

Yet, such a formidable foe had gone unnoticed by everyone until now.

He hid even deeper than Dao Qiongcang. What exactly was he plotting?

The discomfort was paramount!

Despite knowing that Dao and Xu were behind it, waiting to stab it with their swords, the malevolent Yin still had to charge forward.

It even had the illusion that even if it fought to the death, it would only be paving the way for the treacherous duo of Xu and Dao, serving as their vanguard general.

Yet, there was no retreat.

Charging forward offered a sliver of hope; surrendering would truly be a dead end, because the ignorant Shennong Hundred Herbs would be the first to try and kill it.

"Ahhh!"

The malevolent Yin gnashed its teeth, almost shattering them.

It was consciously sinking deeper into this game, watching helplessly as it was manipulated and driven along a predetermined path.

How it wished the Medicinal Ancestor would be smarter and see the two truly 'dirty' individuals hidden behind it.

But if it were to tell the Medicinal Ancestor now, the Medicinal Ancestor wouldn't believe it, only shaking its head, laughing, and looking on with disdain.

How it wished that since the Medicinal Ancestor was so foolish, it would just be a little more foolish and relinquish its Path to it, ceasing its struggle.

Yet, its own fall into the current predicament essentially stemmed from the same 'dirty' individual, Shennong Hundred Herbs, and its profound calculations laid out since the Divine War.

With a wolf in front and a tiger behind, surrounded by jackals and leopards.

Only it, claiming to be resurrected from the Divine Ruins and possessing foresight.

For long-term plans, it had actively intervened in the muddy waters of the Saint God Continent, attempting to gain a share, only to end up in this current state.

Looking back, it was both pathetic and laughable!

"Why?"

"Why!"

The malevolent Yin grew increasingly furious with each thought, unable to vent its bitterness, becoming uncontrollably agitated.

It wished that every Ancestor God in the Five Domains would transform into Shen Yi, even a sealed Ancestor Shen Yi.

It would rather be beaten to death by the Overlord's staff while standing than kneel and endure the torture of a dull knife slicing through flesh.

Worse than death!

Scheming villains, may you all die terrible deaths!

"Return!!!"

In the Ghost-Buddha Realm, the malevolent Yin suddenly became enraged, letting out a piercing shriek.

The power and magical artifacts from all over the Five Domains transformed into energy and were absorbed into its internal Art Seeds. Before long, even the Blood World Bead appeared in its hand.

At the old site of Gui Zhe, space shattered.

Inside, a figure was struggling in terror.

It was Emperor Seven Trees, who had previously intercepted Northern Sophora's entry but was repelled by a single strike and subsequently fled the battlefield.

Emperor Seven Trees was originally the Spirit of the Blood Tree.

As early as when Shen Yi was pursuing the Demonic Ancestor's will, seeing Old Ancestor Jinzhao and Demonic Emperor Black Dragon, both Saint Emperors of the Void Island, move without question to intercept Shen Yi, he knew...

"What Saint Emperor?"

"They were merely slaves wearing beautiful titles!"

Void Island, this cage, had imprisoned the lives of five Saint Emperors. Now it seemed it also protected these five caged birds.

When the true grand scheme arrived, the birds that had escaped the cage had long lost their way. But when the master, whose identity even the birds didn't know, called out, they still had to rush into the fire, offering their meager glimmer of light.

Old Ancestor Jinzhao and Demonic Emperor Black Dragon were the Demonic Ancestor's backup.

"What about me?"

The Blood World Bead had been personally guided by him, circulated through several hands, claiming the lives of three of the five Peerless Physiques to assemble a powerful physical body, yet ultimately it could not be used for himself.

"Then..."

"From beginning to end, was it truly I who was guiding it?"

Emperor Seven Trees was unwilling!

Filled with utter unwillingness!

He refused to admit that his entire life had been nothing but a blur, lived entirely in the shadow of another.

But his very existence, besides being a green leaf to that one person, what else could it highlight? Could he ever be the protagonist again?

"Come! To! Me!"

While struggling desperately, Emperor Seven Trees fleetingly caught sight of a face contorted with rage in the distance.

In that brief moment, many memory fragments not belonging to this life flashed through his mind.

There were trees, beads, bows, people...

Only these pieces together formed a legend, a protagonist of that era who struck terror into the hearts of many.

All along, I was merely an object.

The radiance of the Art Corruptor slightly receded. His demonic cultivation, a brief indulgence, was already a stroke of luck.

Now, it was returning.

This dream, it was time to wake up.

"Rip!"

Amidst the tearing sound, Emperor Seven Trees closed his eyes, feeling the world spin, and was instantly ground into fragments.

His body, spirit, and will as a "person," along with the cultivation realms he had achieved over thousands of years, were all reset to zero.

He... it transformed into seven streams of blood-red light, merging into the malevolent Yin's body.

"Boom!"

Consequently, a wave of air rolled across the sky above the Ghost-Buddha Realm.

When people looked again, they saw ancient legends made real. The Art Ancestor's corrupted form had clearly leaped forth from ancient texts and illustrations.

Upon the blood-red skull throne, the malevolent Yin stood proudly, arms crossed, eyes disdainful. One hand supported the heavens, one pointed to the earth, one held the Blood World Bead, and one loosely gripped the Evil Sin Bow. Seven blood trees rooted from its lower back, their canopies lush, suspending ghostly corpses, and connecting to all beings across various realms, displaying a savage and eerie beauty.

"The Art Ancestor..."

"No, the malevolent Yin—this is the malevolent Yin!"

From this point on, the comprehensible and acceptable combat style of the newly ascended Ancestor Gods became a thing of the past.

In this moment, as the ancient Ancestor God also prepared to unleash its full power, and the unreal, illusory sensation solidified, people finally felt that the Divine War had truly arrived.

"Shennong Hundred Herbs, your time has come."

The malevolent Yin glanced sideways, its three large eyes collectively fixed on the direction of the Four Tombs Mountain Saint Palace.

The wind whispered softly.

To the horror of the world, an old man wearing a worn-out undershirt and with a slightly hunched back appeared out of thin air, casually letting out a "Yo!"

"Little fellow, do you no longer even address me as 'Senior'?"

The old man looked up, gazing at the malevolent Yin's true form, which was several times taller than him. He reached to his waist, measured something, and said with a faint smile:

"When you were this big, and still very polite, you swallowed a Bodhi Fruit in the ancient tomb of Immortal Tooth Cave. When you achieved enlightenment in the arts, you kowtowed three times to the 'remains of a senior'!"

"Having transformed into the malevolent Yin of the arts, have you forgotten these fundamental principles of respecting elders?"

The malevolent Yin remained unmoved.

It had long understood that the Medicinal Ancestor Shennong Hundred Herbs' schemes were involved in its three supreme transformations: Art Seed Origin Recalibration, Art Seed Spirit Incubation, and Art Seed Myriad Changes.

"So what?"

"The past cannot be blamed; only the future 'I' matters."

"Better to be shattered jade than intact tile. This... is the true malevolent Yin!"

The malevolent Yin looked down with disdain at the human-shaped ant below it, knowing that different paths do not lead to common ground. It couldn't even be bothered to utter a single superfluous word. Its crossed arms separated, and it made a finger gesture:

"Forbidden Art: Reverse Forbidden Reincarnation!"