Chapter 464: Mountain Gate Farewell, Escape to Taihu Lake

“I hope so,” Yin Gui said, her expression complex, as she suddenly asked, “Where do you plan to go after leaving the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect?”

Wang Yu did not hide anything; he was very straightforward. “To Taihu. How… are you also from Taihu?”

“Heh, you guessed that too?”

Wang Yu was speechless. “Seriously?”

“It couldn’t be more serious. If you have time, visit Shuiyun State, which is under the jurisdiction of the Azure Cloud Sect. The Dou clan of Xishan was where I belonged seven hundred years ago.”

“Alright, so you’ll kill them all to vent your anger?”

“No, you—” Before she finished speaking, Wang Yu had already thrown out a large handful of high-grade spirit stones, directly activating the ancient teleportation array and vanishing amidst the spatial fluctuations. Immediately after, the light from the teleportation array dimmed. Wang Yu then sealed the other end, making it impossible to use this path again.

Lian Yan immediately chuckled. “Master, it feels like you’re completely at the mercy of this Uncle Wang…”

“Hmph! If he hadn't saved my life, we would merely be acquaintances. Let's go! Return to the Guiyin Demonic Palace.”

Meanwhile, Wang Yu appeared in a hollow not far from the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect, a maximum of three hundred kilometers away, which was not too far.

He decisively activated the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao’s communication token. He asked Elder Yu to bring Tantai Chan, Yu Tangtang, and his contracted spirit beast, the Five-Tailed Snow Fox. They would only meet once at the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao’s cave. After that, he would use Elder Yu’s smuggling route. He would take a teleportation array directly to Barren City on the edge of Fengzhou, then enter the Northern Broken Boundary Mountain Range to recuperate in seclusion. Once fully recovered, he would consider entering the Taihu Spirit Realm for a period of dedicated cultivation. He would wait for the Holy Lord's Heavenly Palace in the Endless Ice Plains to open.

As long as the Scarlet Jade Peach of Longevity was delivered to Elder Yu, he would live long enough for Wang Yu to emerge from the Holy Lord's Heavenly Palace. If things went well by then, Wang Yu would ascend to the Soul Transformation realm, becoming one of the top cultivators in the Ice Prison Realm. Even if things didn't go perfectly, he should at least become a Grand Cultivator at the late Nascent Soul stage. Regardless of how things developed, taking Yu Tangtang along would not be a problem. The child was easy to care for, and her bloodline potential was extremely high; she might even become one of his aids in breaking free from the shackles of the Ice Prison Realm.

An incense stick's worth of time later, at the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao’s cave. Elder Yu’s eyes widened as he stared at Wang Yu in disbelief: “Heaven-Refining Demonic Flame? You were ignited by that thing… it’s a miracle you’re still alive.”

“Stop talking nonsense, I don't have much time.” Tantai Chan and Yu Tangtang hadn't arrived yet, so Wang Yu directly tossed out the Scarlet Jade Peach of Longevity. “This spiritual fruit, formed by the Peach Blossom Immortal from Peach State, should extend your lifespan by about a hundred years.”

Upon receiving such a good item, the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao instantly became cheerful. He originally intended to pat Wang Yu’s shoulder but saw that only his head remained, so he awkwardly stopped midway.

“Are you leaving the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect?”

Wang Yu nodded. “Something major happened in Dongji Capital. Old Demon Scorching Sun is confirmed dead, and there’s an eighty percent chance the Yellow Springs Temple Master will also die… two Soul Transformation cultivators arrived simultaneously… purple flames burned the capital… and the Wicked Dragon appeared…” He omitted his significant role in these events. He basically recounted what happened in Dongji Capital, intending to warn that the upcoming war between the righteous and demonic forces would undergo significant changes. It would be best to leave the sect for a while. After the Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable dealt with matters in Dongji Capital, there was a ninety-nine percent chance he would come to the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect to demand someone. If he got what he wanted, fine; if not, he would definitely explode in rage. It would also be good for the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao to hide for a bit.

Furthermore, “Remind the Sect Master that the ancestral patriarch of Zhuo Shouyun’s lineage is dead. His time to act has come. Do not take credit for my contributions. Whether I can return in the future will depend entirely on whether the Sect Master remembers this favor.” Apart from the Heaven-Refining Demonic Sect, almost all five demonic sects were plotting for opportunities in the Soul Transformation realm. Zhuo Shouyun was the Blood Demon Hall Master's opportunity. Once the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect had a Soul Transformation cultivator, its status would instantly elevate greatly, and the Sect Master's lineage would surpass the three great clans. Wang Yu was also considered one of the Sect Master's people. Giving up such an excellent cultivation platform, which he had managed for so many years, would be too great a pity. Doing a favor could also leave a hook for his return in the future. Why not? Anyway, it wasn’t his life. Wang Yu had no moral bottom line in this regard. The reason he spared Zhuo Shouyun back then was actually out of consideration for the three clans being connected. Offending one was offending all three. It was truly difficult to deal with, and now that it could play such a role, it wasn’t a loss.

Wang Yu chattered on and quickly finished speaking. Just as the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao was about to say something, Yu Tangtang’s cheerful voice rang out from outside. She skipped in, her cultivation still at the peak of the Core Formation realm. However, her originally happy and adorable smile crumpled the moment she saw Wang Yu’s head. “Who did this? Tangtang wants to help you get revenge!” Upon hearing this, Elder Yu immediately broke into a cold sweat. “Tangtang, Wang Yu isn’t dead yet. He has something to tell you.”

Tantai Chan, who followed close behind, was also stunned the moment she saw him. The snow fox in her arms let out a shriek and quickly dashed out. “—Master!”

The cultivation progress of these two was quite good, likely due to the spiritual pills Wang Yu left behind. Tantai Chan had broken through to the third layer of the Core Formation realm, and Xue Yu had finally reached the peak of the third tier. She now had the qualifications to glimpse the realm of shapeshifting demonic beasts. The Demonic Blood Reverse Origin Treasure Pill he brought back might become the key for Xue Yu to break through to the fourth tier and shapeshift. Of course, spirit items for breaking through realms were also needed. Otherwise, she would only be able to slowly grind her way through over time. In this regard, Wang Yu had also obtained quite a few high-grade Tier 4 spiritual pills from the immortal official's medicine vault, some of which could help Xue Yu.

Previously, the little fox was just an accessory and a weather controller. She could help Wang Yu create a perfect combat environment, but once she shapeshifted, the Secret Art of Human Desire inherited from the Beast God's remnant will would become useful. Raising a vixen and spending so many resources on her cultivation; if he didn't taste the fox-girl, it would truly be a waste. Conveniently, she could help protect him during this period.

“Stop howling, I’m not dead yet.” Pushing the little fox away, Wang Yu first spoke with Yu Tangtang for a while, mainly giving instructions and telling her where to meet if something unexpected happened. It was no secret that Elder Yu's lifespan was nearing its end. Many people were likely eyeing his body and inheritance, so there was indeed a possibility of unforeseen incidents, which needed to be guarded against.

His private conversation with Tantai Chan was even more concise. “It’s a pity I can’t have a deeper exchange with Little Chan’er right now. I feel deeply regretful.”

Tantai Chan’s face reddened. “You’re in this state, and you’re still thinking about those things in your pants.”

“In life, besides cultivation, one should also find hobbies. I will impart this Cold Serpent Alchemy to you; it’s very suitable for Ice Path cultivators to study in depth.” The version he imparted was the one Wang Yu had completed and deduced to the fourth tier. Tantai Chan’s aptitude was poorer, and Core Formation was her limit. If she could earn enough cultivation resources through alchemy, there was no saying she wouldn’t have a chance to glimpse the Nascent Soul realm. After all, as her alchemy master over the years, he had taught her quite a bit, and she had inherited some of his abilities, so there was still something to look forward to.

Tantai Chan’s face grew even redder, and concern was hidden deep in her eyes. “How about I go with you?”

“No.” Wang Yu decisively shook his head and refused. “Your strength is too weak; you would only be a burden, not an aid.” The words were somewhat cruel, but they were also the truth.

After giving his instructions and presenting a batch of unused cultivation resources, having said almost everything he needed to, he had Xue Yu carry his head. Wang Yu then took Elder Yu’s secret teleportation array and left without any lingering attachment.

Inside the Demonic Jiao’s cave, the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke. “Tangtang, Little Chan, go immediately to the border of Fengzhou, where the Endless Ice Plains meet the Northern Broken Boundary Mountain Range. There’s a demon beast settlement called Black Water Mysterious Serpent. You will cultivate there for a while. I will send the Three-Colored Dragon Sparrow and the White Jade Elephant to accompany you. Take this storage ring, and this token…” As soon as Wang Yu left, he began to make urgent arrangements. Originally, Wang Yu was the one he had chosen to entrust things to; throughout the entire Scarlet Kite realm, there were few more trustworthy and reliable individuals than him. But now that Wang Yu was embroiled in trouble, Elder Yu could only plan his affairs after his demise himself. Having Yu Tangtang by his side was clearly a weakness.

Barren City. This was not Wang Yu’s first visit here. As a city destroyed by beast tides, its spiritual veins had even been extracted. Except for a few mortals who came here to seek treasures, almost no one else came to this place. Wang Yu had maintained his head-only form for most of the day. If he delayed any further, the difficulty of recovering his body would become increasingly greater. Especially his Immortal Spirit Bones; their regrowth would consume a large amount of spiritual energy. The immediate priority was to resolve the entanglement of the Heaven-Refining Demonic Flame. This special demonic flame’s temperature was not particularly outrageous. However, the refining power lurking within it had truly made Wang Yu suffer immensely. After arriving in Barren City, Wang Yu pinpointed his direction and prepared to enter seclusion in the desolate mountain near the former Demon Cat tribal land. Wang Yu had once stayed there for three years, as it was rarely visited. The probability of being disturbed was extremely low.

That evening, Wang Yu finally entered the healing stage. A new deer antler pearl hovered above his head, continuously emitting emerald green light spots, brimming with powerful life force. This forced Wang Yu’s body to begin regrowing. Wang Yu was almost helpless against the Heaven-Refining Demonic Flame’s entanglement. He successively attempted to counter it with extreme cold force, sealing techniques, and spiritual flame clashes… all ending in failure.

Three months later, at the cost of exhausting the life essence of the second deer antler pearl, and enduring the demonic flame’s refining power, Wang Yu forcefully restored his Immortal Spirit Bones. However, his flesh, blood, and internal organs were all still difficult to recover. Like a terrifying creature, he looked utterly bizarre, a human head atop a skeletal body.

However, through such a long period of contact and understanding, Wang Yu finally discovered the core component of the Heaven-Refining Demonic Flame: the profound power of the Heaven-Refining Intent. This was the fundamental reason why the demonic flame was relentless.

“Heaven-Refining… Heaven-Refining… Such an overbearing will has almost become the other party’s obsession. No wonder no method worked.” Before becoming the Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable, this top cultivator of the Scarlet Kite realm likely aimed to refine all things in the world, with “Heaven” being the ultimate feast. And intent was an advancement from dharma intent. The root of divine abilities was extremely crucial.

“Among the divine abilities that can comprehend the Heaven-Refining Intent, only the Heaven-Devouring Gluttony Art of the Heaven-Refining Demonic Sect, if its intent originates from fierce beasts, or the Prajna Heart Sutra might be able to mediate this malevolent energy.” Wang Yu was forced into this situation and could only seek a solution from heart sutras.

While he was painstakingly devoted to his healing efforts, the events in Dongji Capital were officially proclaimed throughout the entire Scarlet Kite realm by the Heaven-Refining Demonic Sect. There were mainly two matters.

Firstly, the Yellow Springs Temple Master committed insubordination, attempting to conspire against the Scarlet Heaven Demonic Venerable by colluding with Wang Yu of the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect and Scorching Sun, leveraging the forbidden formations of Dongji Capital with cunning schemes. Fortunately, the latter was exceptionally intelligent and promptly saw through their schemes, severely injuring Scorching Sun and the Yellow Springs Temple Master with Soul Transformation methods. Regarding this matter, while the Heaven-Refining Demonic Sect announced it was "taking responsibility," it also branded the Yellow Springs Temple as a criminal sect. All cultivators of the Yellow Springs Temple, including the Temple Master, at the Nascent Soul, Core Formation, and Foundation Establishment realms, were required to become the vanguard of this war between the righteous and demonic forces. They were ordered to gather at Black Mountain Pass within a year; those who disobeyed would be executed! In ordinary times, no matter who suffered, they would never pay attention to such an unreasonable command. However, with the greater cause of the righteous-demonic war at hand, this model of atoning for crimes through meritorious service was still accepted by demonic cultivators. At the very least, it wasn't a death sentence. And once there was a glimmer of hope, demonic cultivators had quite high resilience. Although the casualty rate would be much higher as a vanguard, the rewards for surviving would also be considerable. It was a task where rewards were directly proportional to risks. The Yellow Springs Temple might not refuse. It's worth noting that there was no mention of punishment for the Yellow Springs Temple Master, only an order for him to gather at Black Mountain Pass on time. This indicated that when the Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable dealt with the Wicked Dragon, Scarlet Heaven truly did allow the Yellow Springs Temple Master to escape. How exactly that was managed remains unknown, known only to those involved.

Secondly, there was a declaration targeting the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect, Wang Yu, and Scorching Sun. It demanded that the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect hand over Wang Yu and execute Old Demon Scorching Sun. Furthermore, all cultivators who died in Dongji Capital were blamed on Wang Yu. Among them, Azure Water, Ghost Wood, Cold Bone, Nether Son, and others had more or less some connection to him. However, that long list of Core Formation cultivators and the three Nascent Soul priests from the Underworld Mountain Sect had absolutely no relation to Wang Yu. The burning of the capital by purple flames was caused by Scarlet Heaven. The emergence of the Wicked Dragon was indeed Wang Yu’s doing, but the actual casualties were minimal, even zero, because it ran into the Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable the moment it appeared and didn’t kill a single person. It was a pure scapegoat. Unfortunately, Wang Yu had no means to speak out, so he was branded a traitor of Scarlet Kite and a criminal of the demonic path. However, this also caused his reputation to soar, sweeping across all territories like an autumn wind, not in a disgraced way, but as an unprecedented notorious reputation! After all, in this era, only these three dared to attack a Soul Transformation cultivator and almost succeeded; they were truly audacious. The method of dealing with the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect was similar to that of the Yellow Springs Temple: both were to serve as vanguard forces. The matter in Dongji Capital had come to an end.

There were still subsequent dealings and various ripple effects caused by the further turbulence in the situation. The war between the righteous and demonic forces also reignited after a brief "half-time break." The focus remained on Black Mountain Pass, Odd Peak Pass, and Ice River Pass. Particularly Black Mountain Pass, where over a hundred Nascent Soul cultivators were about to gather, and a true great battle was in preparation.

Meanwhile, Wang Yu was completely unaware of the outside situation.

Six months passed. He finally emerged from the desolate mountain cave. By this time, he had mostly regained his human appearance, though his body was quite gaunt, and the recovery of his flesh and blood was not ideal. The Prajna Heart Sutra could indeed weaken the Heaven-Refining Intent. However, Wang Yu’s cultivation in the Heart Sutra was insufficient to completely resolve it; he could only temporarily conceal the continuously burning demonic flame. It would require at least three to five years of refinement for a complete recovery. He was not in a hurry regarding this. Even though suppressed by the demonic flame, his cultivation could still improve. Most importantly, the Blood Abyss Glazed Treasure Pill had not been triggered, leaving him with another possibility.

After emerging from seclusion, he rode Xue Yu. Wang Yu prepared to settle in Shuiyun State, as mentioned by Yin Gui. Conveniently, the Azure Cloud Sect was on the other side of the Northern Broken Boundary Mountain Range, and the fighting at Ice River Pass was not fierce. Going there to seek refuge while cultivating in seclusion for a period was also a good decision.

(End of chapter)