Chapter 1181: Forbidden Zone Ancient Mine

"Uncle Duan, wuwu..." the little bald boy wailed sadly.

No one had expected Duan De to die. His body exploded the moment he stepped into the forbidden zone, so suddenly that it left everyone stunned and unable to accept it.

The Primeval Ancient Mine has existed since ancient times, revered throughout the land for its extreme antiquity. Its ruthlessness and terrifying nature were universally acknowledged.

"The Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill—this ancient method has always been incomplete; the true scripture has never emerged. How could he have obtained it?"

From deep within the forbidden zone, a ruthless, indifferent voice emanated, seemingly bewildered and perplexed.

The Black Emperor was startled, a look of shock on his face. "If Duan De was cultivating the flawless Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill," he said, "he most likely still has a chance to live."

"Uncle Black Emperor, what are you talking about?" Hua Hua cried, her face smudged like a little kitten's.

Ye Fan, Dongfang Ye, and the others found it unbelievable. That was the supreme being of the Primeval Ancient Mine; if they personally intervened, how could anyone possibly survive?

"The Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill..." The Divine Silkworm Princess showed a peculiar expression, clearly having heard of it as well.

This was a heavenly skill that had existed since primordial times!

Humanity possessed two great fundamental scriptures, known as Taiyin and Taiyang. These ancient texts profoundly influenced later generations, having even inspired ancient emperors.

While the oldest may not always be the strongest, the significance of these fundamental scriptures was undeniably extraordinary. They were revered by the world and propelled the development of humanity.

During those primordial times, other heavenly skills also circulated. They were not necessarily younger than the two fundamental scriptures, but because they were lost, they failed to be passed down and thus remained unknown and unvenerated.

In primordial times, the star realms were vast, and supreme beings soared through the heavens, reaching many mysterious ancient lands. More than one ancient scripture was introduced from other star realms.

It's conceivable that humanity, with its ancient heritage, whose origins are unknown, could not have possessed only the Taiyin and Taiyang ancient methods before primordial times. Naturally, other texts existed.

However, over the long centuries, the extensive scriptures that were truly passed down primarily consisted of those two.

Furthermore, the Taiyin True Scripture and the Taiyang True Scripture delved into the two most fundamental primordial forces, expounding the ultimate principles of Yin and Yang, which cemented their status as fundamental scriptures.

Legend has it that the Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill was founded by a supreme Celestial Venerable of the Daoist tradition. It required one to continuously undergo various great tribulations throughout their life to ultimately achieve the Dao fruit.

Ancient emperors would study the Taiyin and Taiyang scriptures, read countless primordial ancient methods, extract their essence, and endure various hardships. Only by comprehending the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, overcoming obstacles in their cultivation, and penetrating the Imperial Path could they forge their own methods and establish their unique Dao.

The Great Black Dog, having followed the Wushi Emperor for ten thousand years, had naturally heard of the Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill. This lost ancient scripture was said to be capable of seizing the very fortune of the cosmos, possessing an array of ultimate and wondrous uses.

In bygone eras, several great emperors had insights into this method, though none had ever acquired the complete version; they only possessed fragmented sections. Incomplete methods were particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes.

There's an ancient secret stating that the Ruthless Emperor did not seek immortality, but after achieving enlightenment, she extensively sought ancient methods to reverse Yin and Yang and resurrect her brother.

It's speculated that the Ruthless Emperor acquired the most ancient methods and possibly the most complete version of the Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill. However, she never cultivated it because, for her, it was of little use if it couldn't reverse reincarnation.

Duan De had once obtained the Heaven-Devouring Demonic Cover belonging to the Ruthless Emperor, which was forged from her skull. Although it had been crafted into an ultimate weapon, some believed it might have retained a fragment of her consciousness.

For this very reason, some speculated that the Heaven-Devouring Demonic Cover was invaluable, and possessing it might grant knowledge of certain profound ancient techniques.

Duan De wielded the Demonic Cover. While he might not have obtained techniques like the Heaven-Devouring Demonic Skill, gaining a portion of the Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill due to it wouldn't be a miracle. No one knew what residual consciousness might leave behind.

The Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill inherently demanded constant tribulation-crossing, and its greatest tribulation to overcome was undoubtedly the "death tribulation." Yet, it was rumored that even the Celestial Venerable who created the skill failed to pass this ultimate test, even after achieving enlightenment.

Otherwise, if one could truly overcome the death tribulation, it would mean achieving eternal life, becoming an immortal!

"Let me see it again!"

A fissure opened on the Black Emperor's brow, revealing a peculiar vertical eye that replayed the precise moment Duan De was pulverized into a bloody mist.

"Cleansing and refining—he's undergoing cleansing and refining. This, too, is a form of tribulation-crossing," the Great Black Dog said in astonishment.

The Wushi Emperor once stated that the Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill was exceptionally difficult to cultivate, primarily because the path demanded too many stringent conditions. The human body contained both life and death energies, and it was incredibly challenging to purge all death energy unless a great emperor assisted in transforming the body into pure Yang life energy. Only then could significant breakthroughs be made in cultivating this technique.

However, if one existed in the same era as a Great Emperor, no matter how much progress was made, it would be difficult to attain the Dao. Even if one's body was refined by an emperor's qi, in later stages, one would still be suppressed by the Imperial Path.

"Unless it was the flawless Heavenly Calamity Crossing Skill, doing this would be courting death. But how could he possibly have obtained the complete ancient scripture?" The Black Emperor was utterly bewildered.

The Wushi Emperor had once mentioned that the Daoist Celestial Venerable appeared not to have passed down the complete method within this star realm at all.

"I understand now! Did he perhaps unearth the corpse of that Celestial Venerable? I once heard that the latter might have been buried on Beidou, having come for the path to immortality."

Many ancient sects recorded that, with the exception of two or three, ancient emperors were not born on Beidou. Like the ancient emperors of primordial times, they came from other ancient star realms, descending upon this star to seize the opportunity for immortality.

Unfortunately, during the primordial era, various races successively made incorrect deductions. The path to immortality was far from ready to open at that time; it was meant to appear in the current epoch. That period could only be described as a "missed opportunity" for them.

Everyone stared blankly. Could it be that Duan De had actually dug up the Celestial Venerable's corpse? No wonder he spent his entire life exploring tombs.

Was Duan De, holding that bronze plaque, attempting to use the supreme being of the Primeval Ancient Mine to refine his physical body? In this era, with no one having attained the Dao to become an emperor, it presented an opportunity for him, ensuring he wouldn't be suppressed in the future.

"The Primeval Ancient Mine is stirring!" Ye Tong exclaimed.

The clear, translucent emerald spiritual pond reflected a distinct landscape. People held their breath, came to their senses, and gazed intently.

Ethereal immortal qi coiled around the Primeval Ancient Mine, completely shrouding the ancient cavern below. An emotionless voice emanated from within, seemingly capable of severing the thirty-three layers of heaven.

"Over two hundred thousand years ago, when 'that being' was establishing their Dao field, a wisp of inexplicable energy appeared. Could it be that an ancient Celestial Venerable was buried on this ancient star... and has now been discovered?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan, the Black Emperor, and the others, despite the immense distance and only perceiving it through the spiritual pond, still felt a chilling shiver run down their spines.

Such deeply guarded secrets were not meant for their ears!

Fortunately, the entity within the Primeval Ancient Mine did not elaborate, stopping the discussion. A pair of icy beams shot out, circling the Victorious Fighting Buddha once.

The old Holy Ape, accustomed to life and death and possessing fiery golden eyes, likely saw through things more clearly than the Black Emperor and the others. He showed no emotional reaction to Duan De's demise.

He walked step by step deeper into the forbidden zone. With each heavy stride, profound Dao imprints appeared, his footprints remarkably deep. He was clearly struggling.

The closer he approached the ancient mine, the more pronounced this became. He seemed to be carrying the weight of the nine heavens and ten lands, burdened by immense pressure.

"Why is the being in the ancient mine still so indifferent to the Victorious Fighting Saint King, even though he holds the ancient emperor's token?" The Divine Silkworm Princess's expression changed.

This place was almost the oldest forbidden zone of life in existence. Even when ancient races dominated the land, no one could approach or trespass here.

Immortal qi permeated the air. From within the ancient mine, a pair of icy eyes pierced through the mist, fixing upon the Victorious Fighting Buddha, and an ancient voice emanated.

"The lineage of the Victorious Fighting Holy Ape is the most unyielding and overbearing. You appear incredibly aged, yet your inner vitality surges. If unleashed, it could dominate heaven and earth. I sense a familiar energy; you greatly resemble someone."

The Victorious Fighting Buddha did not act presumptuously. Whether considering seniority or cultivation level, the supreme being of the Primeval Ancient Mine was worthy of his respectful bow.

Silence descended within the Primeval Ancient Mine; everything remained cold and indifferent. The old Holy Ape, holding the ancient emperor's token, received no special privilege, and he, too, fell silent.

"Unyielding spirit, very much like that monkey from back then. What is your relationship with him?" Much later, such a divine voice resonated from the ancient mine, causing the ancient azure sky to rumble as if it would collapse under the pressure.

"The Victorious Fighting Holy Emperor is my elder brother," the old Holy Ape stated.

"That monkey who defied both heaven and earth..." Such was the evaluation received, causing the Victorious Fighting Buddha's eyebrows to twitch and golden light to flicker in his eyes.

"The Victorious Fighting Holy Emperor's magic power is boundless; he seeks to become a Battle Immortal, looking down upon all. As his blood brother, do you still need to come to the Primeval Ancient Mine?" The emotionless voice persisted.

The old Holy Ape stood there, spine ramrod straight, without uttering a single word. His golden fur was dazzlingly bright, and his eyes held a profound indifference.

"What is your purpose in coming to the Primeval Ancient Mine?"

"I seek a Primeval Life Stone," the Victorious Fighting Buddha stated, neither humble nor arrogant, his gaze fixed on the mist. He did not approach closer; in fact, he remained quite far from the ancient mine.

"To extend your own life?"

"For my only nephew."

From within the ancient mine, a cold laugh rang out. "Your brother was arrogant enough to believe he could transform into a Battle Immortal," it scoffed, "yet he couldn't even care for his own offspring, requiring you to come here to seek this stone?"

"This is bad!" exclaimed the Divine Silkworm Princess, a look of worry and fear on her face, within the Divine Silkworm Ridge. "The Victorious Fighting Holy Emperor, who startled gods and brought immortals to tears, defied all of primordial times and showed no respect for heaven or earth. He must have offended the entity within the Primeval Ancient Mine."

Ye Fan, Yan Yixi, the Black Emperor, and the others all blanched. This could spell a great disaster. Who could possibly stand against the entity within the forbidden zone of life now? The Victorious Fighting Buddha was likely in grave danger.

The Holy Prince's eyebrows bristled, and golden light streamed from his eyes as they flickered open and closed.

A cold voice emanated from the ancient mine. "Were it anyone else, I wouldn't mind bestowing a Life Stone. But the Victorious Fighting Holy Emperor once declared that he needed none of this, that his power alone could shatter the heavens!"

"It is I who seeks a Primeval Life Stone for my nephew, not my elder brother," the Victorious Fighting Buddha declared, standing as rigid as a spear.

"Is it not the same? Brothers, father and son, uncle and nephew—how different can they truly be?"

"I am only here to request a Primeval Life Stone!" the Victorious Fighting Buddha's voice boomed.

"You may leave; it will not be granted," the entity within the Primeval Ancient Mine refused.

"This place does not belong to you alone. I have come bearing the ancient emperor's token, and I require a Primeval Life Stone!" the Victorious Fighting Buddha asserted.

"Are you speaking to me in such a manner?" The voice instantly turned incredibly cold, suffused with ancient killing intent that vibrated forth from the Primeval Ancient Mine.

"Wait!" A second voice rang out, and simultaneously, a mottled, rusted bronze token appeared. This belonged to another supreme entity, who stated, "Before his body shattered, that person said he would give this token to the Holy Ape. With three ancient tokens now in hand, all requests should indeed be granted."

"The Victorious Fighting Holy Emperor sought to shatter the heavens with his own power, to defy all ages, and once proclaimed he needed nothing else. The past is clear to both of us. The Primeval Life Stone should not be given to his blood brother, and furthermore, he just disrespected me; he ought to be slain!"

"Roar..."

Suddenly, a black iron staff, radiating dazzling immortal light, burst forth from the Victorious Fighting Buddha's head. A colossal golden ape materialized, its form reaching to the nine heavens and its feet treading the nine underworlds. It let out a thunderous roar that reverberated across the cosmos, suppressing the nine heavens and ten lands.

"The Victorious Fighting Holy Emperor!" the Divine Silkworm Princess exclaimed in shock.

"Father!" cried the Holy Prince.