Chapter 511: Return to Xuanling, the Place of Fengchan (12,000)

Gu Luohe’s finger landed on Venerable Lanchuan. Zhao Xing, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel relieved. The Gu Luohe here was clearly a younger version; it would have been strange if he recognized Zhao Xing. Not recognizing him was normal.

“Very well, Venerable Lanchuan and all his divine guards will be at Luohe's disposal. Grand Official Luohe will also be in charge of exploring the Myriad Soul Well,” Grand Official Qiyuan announced the second matter.

Afterward, Gu Luohe, along with Venerable Lanchuan, left with Grand Official Qiyuan, while the banquet continued as usual. Zhao Xing, sitting at the table, was still processing Gu Luohe's appearance.

“The directness was so strong; it seemed as if Gu Luohe knew Venerable Lanchuan. Could it be that Venerable Lanchuan is from the Primordial Hill? Lanchuan… Venerable Lanshen, could he be Venerable Meishan’s teacher?”

Zhao Xing thought it was very possible because when he broke through to the Reincarnation Realm, Venerable Meishan suddenly sent him a high-quality earth vein through the Earth Passage Method, helping him achieve the third layer of the Extreme Continent. Later, his Primeval clone went to the Primordial Hill to study the Life Underworld Palace Method and received much assistance, such as being allowed to personally observe the confinement palace of the Life Demon God Aruoja, a privilege usually reserved for demigods. Previously, Zhao Xing had thought these were extra benefits from the scripture, but on second thought, how could his "Treatise on Earth Epochal Changes" receive such high honors when its theory was not yet complete?

Connecting this to his experience in the Transmission Tower and the time loop he had completed, Zhao Xing couldn't help but make a conjecture: If Venerable Lanchuan was the later Venerable Lanshen, then the statement Venerable Lanshen made in 'Thousands of Earthly Wonders'—'Aside from forceful destruction, the only way to shake the 'Ice Flame Lake' is to start with the 'Stone Embryo Method' from the Profound Earth Method'—was that not something he had told him?

Zhao Xing felt a strange sense of wonder. He had indeed mentioned the 'Stone Embryo Method' to Venerable Lanchuan two hundred miles into the depths of the Profound Earth, and this method was recorded by Venerable Lanshen in ancient texts. Did he tell Venerable Lanshen, or did Venerable Lanshen tell him?

“A reversal of cause and effect, then…” Zhao Xing thought. “But which era is this, exactly?”

Having been in the Bone Yin Realm for decades, Zhao Xing had not received any information from outside the Xuanhuang World. He had previously speculated that the Xuanhuang World was closed off during this period, which was why it was unaware of forces in the universe. But now, Gu Luohe had appeared, as well as Official Lanchuan, who was suspected to be Venerable Lanshen. Zhao Xing then overturned his previous conjecture.

“Perhaps the Xuanhuang World is closed off during this period, but people with backgrounds like Gu Luohe and Venerable Lanshen can enter?” “Heavenly God Gu Xiao had two sons, Gu Luohe and Gu Tianyang. The former founded the Primeval Realm, and the latter created the Primeval Scarecrow Method.” “Wang Tianzhi also said that during the Desolate Era, the name Gu Xiao appeared in the Xuanhuang World, and there was a Xuanhuang Divine Cult that revered Gu Xiao as its patriarch.” “In the current era, there is also a Xuan Tian Divine Cult in the Yang World. Is Venerable Xuan Tian Gu Xiao?”

“Gu Luohe… is he also from the Xuanhuang World? Damn it, could the Great Emperor also be from my hometown?” Zhao Xing recalled that when he first entered the White Bone Divine Realm, the core of his inner world was protected by the Primordial Dao Tower.

“Judging by Gu Luohe’s age at this time, he shouldn't have founded the Primeval Realm, which was established along with the Red Star Empire.” “According to the timeline, the Primeval Realm was founded after the end of the Five Emperors Era. Therefore, this period must be at least the Five Emperors Era, or even an earlier time,” Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Did the Great Emperor exist in this space-time? He wasn't sure, and he didn't dare to inquire recklessly now. The 'historical nullification event' triggered by the Transmission Tower instance was still fresh in Zhao Xing's mind. Here, demigods were everywhere, and there were many divine realm experts. If a disaster were to be triggered, its scale would likely be far greater than that of the Transmission Tower.

“Where have I ended up? Can I even go back…” Zhao Xing was speechless with frustration.

“Emperor Chen’an, I've heard much about you.”

Just then, a figure carrying a wine cup appeared before his table. Zhao Xing looked up and sneered inwardly. The person was Aiyisuo.

“Greetings, Earth Official.” Zhao Xing rose, feigning pleasant surprise.

“No need to be polite,” Aiyisuo said, revealing his pearly white teeth. “You’ve refined so many bone spirit crystals in Moon-Gazing City over forty years, earning the high regard of Official Lanchuan. Now, you’ve become a direct descendant of Grand Official Luohe; your future is boundless.”

Although the newly appointed Grand Official was only a Venerable, to be granted a Great Dao Divine Artifact by God Yu and become the fifth Grand Official was truly extraordinary! Even though the fifth Grand Official hadn't reached the Divine Realm yet, following him now would certainly bring greater future benefits than following the established Grand Officials.

“I merely had some good luck,” Zhao Xing said modestly.

“Emperor Chen’an, there’s no need for modesty,” Aiyisuo said enthusiastically. “Your achievements are evident to all. I have a request.”

“You are an Earth Official; what can I possibly do to help you?” Zhao Xing asked, feigning surprise.

“I’ve just become an Earth Official, responsible for herb gathering at the Nine Yin River’s 'Three Bend Bay',” Aiyisuo said, pretending to be eager to prove himself. “A new official’s first acts are crucial, and I want to achieve some results. However, I haven't found my footing yet, and compared to the veteran Earth Officials, my divine guards lack experience.”

“Please just say what you need to say.”

“I also have several Agricultural Divine Guards under me, and I’d like to ask Emperor Chen’an to teach them,” Aiyisuo whispered. “Of course, I won’t trouble Emperor Chen’an for free; I’ll pay you one hundred thousand Soul Crystals. Emperor Chen’an, you don't have to report this money.”

Zhao Xing, of course, understood Aiyisuo's hint: this was private work, and the one hundred thousand Soul Crystals would be entirely his. Honestly, if it weren't for the Eight Directions Divine Mirror knowing Aiyisuo's true intentions beforehand, there would have been nothing wrong with the reason Aiyisuo gave. It was perfectly reasonable for him, as a new official, to want to achieve results. Zhao Xing had also gained considerable fame over the past forty years; even Venerable Jinyue was willing to offer money to foster good relations. Aiyisuo's actions would not arouse any suspicion whatsoever. Moreover, he was asking Zhao Xing to teach 'advanced techniques,' which was a very reasonable request.

“Lord Aiyisuo, it’s not that I don’t want to help…” Zhao Xing feigned difficulty. “As you can see, Official Lanchuan was originally with Grand Official Dongjun, but now he’s been transferred to Grand Official Luohe.” Zhao Xing lowered his voice: “Who knows what kind of temperament the new Grand Official has? Of course, I'd like to go at your request, but this would be against regulations…”

“I understand, I understand,” Aiyisuo said, smiling, but a cold sneer began in his heart.

Zhao Xing's repeated evasions simply meant two words: more money. Greed is good; what's to fear is a lack of greed! Aiyisuo thought so, and after some negotiation, he raised the price to three hundred thousand Soul Crystals. Half would be paid upfront, with the remainder given upon arrival at the destination. Zhao Xing stopped pretending and readily agreed.

Thus, before the banquet concluded, Zhao Xing acquired an unexpected sum. “Aiyisuo is really rich. Well, since Dan Ye, the God of Freedom, sent him to handle this, he naturally wouldn’t be short on funds.” Zhao Xing weighed the bone ring in his hand, a smile playing on his lips. Being able to extract a wave of resources before dealing with Aiyisuo was, of course, an unexpected surprise. If he killed Aiyisuo later, he might not get his possessions; they would certainly be handled by the Heavenly Official. How could it be his turn?

“There are still a few months until the agreed time. To be safe, I can use the Soul Crystals Aiyisuo gave me to help three more split souls break through, and I still have one divine power baptism I can use…” Zhao Xing pondered.

On the other side, Aiyisuo was also making plans. “Once I lure him to Three Bend Bay, we'll be outside the Yuzhou Divine Territory. Then, I’ll capture him and immediately teleport him into the Mist Dao Barrier. Even if Venerable Lanchuan comes to rescue him, he won't find me.”

“Greetings, Grand Official.” Venerable Lanchuan bowed.

“Brother Lan, there's no need to be formal,” Gu Luohe said with a slight smile.

“Brother Gu, I didn't expect you to come to the Yin Realm,” Venerable Lanchuan remarked with a hint of emotion. “Since our last parting, you've surpassed your former self, even completing the trials left by God Yu.”

“Brother Lan, do you acknowledge my Dao now?” Gu Luohe asked, smiling.

Venerable Lanchuan shook his head: “I acknowledge your strength, but your Dao… it’s too incredible.” “An inner world cannot grow indefinitely; it will eventually reach a period of destruction. Decline is irreversible, and the simultaneous existence of the Great Dao of Life and the Great Dao of Annihilation is the law of nature.” “Brother Gu, you reversed a world seed, which is very powerful. However, there will always be a cost, if not now, then in the future.” “While I don’t know how you did it, reversing an inner world is not the same as reversing a withered seed.”

Gu Luohe listened quietly until he finished, then calmly said, “Brother Lan, what you said makes sense, and that’s why I need your help.” “Your Earth Forging Method is also a method for attaining Dao through Heaven and Earth. I’d like to ask you to share a copy with me. Additionally, I’d like a small amount of soil from the Primordial Hill.”

Venerable Lanchuan shook his head: “The Earth Forging Method is my own creation, and I can give it to you. But asking me to excavate the Three Great Veins? That’s digging up the foundation of my sect. How can I agree to that? It’s absolutely impossible; moreover, I can't even get in there.”

“Brother Lan, you have an opportunity to ask me to be your Dao protector. When you break through, I'll do it myself, and I will bear all the responsibility.” “A small excavation from the Three Great Earth Veins of the Primordial Hill—the Primordial Vein, the Ancient Vein, and the Manifestation Vein—would not be a great loss.”

Gu Luohe said sincerely, “Brother Lan, you know my ambitions.” “I am unwilling to follow in the footsteps of those before me. I want to forge my own path, so that this life is not lived in vain, even if I am crushed to dust, even if I am doomed to eternal damnation.”

Venerable Lanchuan remained unswayed, his tone as calm as ever: “I will give you the latest Earth Forging Method. But I cannot agree to any more of your requests.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Gu Luohe’s eyes, but he remained patient with this Earth God, a descendant of Lord Yao. “Very well, let’s set that aside for now. Today, we shall only discuss the Dao.”

After Zhao Xing and Aiyisuo reached their secret agreement, the banquet was nearing its end. At this point, Venerable Lanchuan reappeared, but a faint trace of sorrow lingered between his brows, as if something was troubling him. Zhao Xing had intended to leave, but he still needed Venerable Lanchuan to take him back to Moyuan City for the divine power baptism from Lord Dongjun.

“Lord Lanchuan, why are you troubled? Your subordinate is willing to share your worries,” Zhao Xing said.

Official Lanchuan glanced at Zhao Xing: “Chen’an, you are now also in the demigod realm. Do you know the path to becoming a god?”

Zhao Xing replied: “Your subordinate knows a little. First, one can cultivate the origin to become a God of Freedom, and second, one can attain Dao through Heaven and Earth to become a Tribulation-Free True God.”

Official Lanchuan nodded slightly: “Generally speaking, attaining Dao through Heaven and Earth is more difficult. It requires both a method of attaining Dao and an object for attaining Dao.” “Suppose someone, for the sake of all living beings, demanded your method of attaining Dao and your object for attaining Dao, what would you do?”

Zhao Xing paused slightly; he seemed to have realized something. First, there was Dan Ye, the God of Freedom, who wanted to seize Wei Tianchen's Dao. Now, Venerable Lanchuan said such words after meeting Gu Luohe, making it hard not to overthink. Zhao Xing knew Gu Luohe’s concept of attaining Dao through an Eternal Realm, which was tantamount to recreating the universe.

To recreate the universe, what was needed? It meant that Gu Luohe needed to collect many kinds of Great Dao origins and store them within his inner world. In other words, a very important method for Gu Luohe's attainment of Dao was to plunder resources, and very high-level ones at that. He had previously speculated that Official Lanchuan’s self-created Earth Forging Method was a Heaven-and-Earth Dao Attainment Method. So, was Gu Luohe now seeking Official Lanchuan’s method and object for Dao attainment? Gu Luohe, had he set his sights on Venerable Lanchuan’s Dao? What did he intend to forge with the Earth Forging Method?

If it were anyone else, such a question would naturally require no overthinking. Who would yield their Dao to another? Such a person would absolutely be a sworn enemy, one to the death. But if it were an agricultural official from the Primordial Hill, such a spirit of sacrifice and dedication might indeed exist.

Zhao Xing pondered, “Lord, I don’t know what kind of disaster would necessitate such a great sacrifice.” “For me, striving to become a savior is better than waiting to be saved.”

Official Lanchuan seemed to be deep in thought. Lord Dongjun's divine power baptism allowed Zhao Xing's split souls to break through, reaching a total of nine. In other words, Zhao Xing now possessed a ninefold demigod true spirit amplification. The lure provided by Aiyisuo further increased this number to thirteen.

When Zhao Xing returned to Moon-Gazing City a year later, he was no longer the same as before.

Name: Zhao XingTrue Spirit: Nine Tribulations (Thirteenfold Amplification)Sun-Star Dharmakaya: Ninth-tier

“Multiplying amplification on a demigod's foundation, the soul tearing of the Primeval Scarecrow Method, which was originally a side effect, has become a power amplifier here. It’s simply defying all norms,” Zhao Xing couldn't help but exclaim. No wonder this path could not accommodate many people.

“Buzz”

At this moment, Aiyisuo sent a message via his Sky Patrol Order – he was urging Zhao Xing to set off for Three Bend Bay as soon as possible. “So eager to set off? Then I shall grant your wish.” Zhao Xing put away the token and flew towards Three Bend Bay.

The Nine Yin River's waters were diverted by three large mountains, forming three winding shallows, which were named Three Bend Bay. In Zhao Xing’s first year there, Aiyisuo was not in a hurry to act, and Zhao Xing wondered when Aiyisuo would make his move.

“Senior Divine Mirror, can you predict when Aiyisuo will make his move?”

“First, put on the palm bone of Xuerui, the God of Freedom,” the Eight Directions Divine Mirror said.

“Okay.” Zhao Xing replaced the bones in his right hand. The more known conditions, the greater the advantageous conditions, and the more accurate the Eight Directions Divine Mirror’s predictions. When Zhao Xing's luck reached the thirtieth tier, the Eight Directions Divine Mirror obtained an accurate result with little effort. The time of Aiyisuo's move was pinpointed to the day, and even the method was given with precise accuracy.

“Wearing the divine bone makes such a big difference?” Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised. If he hadn't worn the divine bone, the Eight Directions Divine Mirror's predictions would have been varied, and the time couldn't have been pinpointed to a specific day. Luck at the twenty-first tier and luck at the thirtieth tier were simply two different concepts.

“There’s a full seven-tier difference in luck between you and Aiyisuo. The Great Dao of Luck influences the Great Dao of Cause and Effect and the Great Dao of Time. You stand at the high point of luck, while Aiyisuo is in a trough.” The artifact spirit of the Eight