Chapter 534: Secrets, The Will to Go to the Ancient Tianhai Sect

“Sect Master.”

Despite not having seen each other for years, and having interacted infrequently, the Sect Master had subtly aided him in numerous ways. For example, his uninhibited alchemy within the sect was, in part, due to the Sect Master's influence. Wang Yu had, of course, only formally caught the Sect Master's attention and been recruited after resolving the conflicts involving Fu Xiao and the Three Zhuo clans. Their relationship was simply a standard superior-subordinate dynamic within the sect. It wasn't a deeper, more personal form of attachment; thus, there was some goodwill, but not an extraordinary amount.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Sect Master quickly reacted. He scrutinized Wang Yu with a look of surprise and doubt. His reaction mirrored that of the Old Jiao. In a fleeting instant, various emotions crossed his face before settling into a broad, fervent smile.

“Hahahaha, I knew you could do it, but I never expected it to be so soon. From now on, you may address me as Senior Brother.”

Wang Yu also chuckled. “I was fortunate enough to enter a Demonic Heavenly Palace Secret Realm, where I successfully seized the opportunity to achieve Soul Transformation. I've actually returned this time to ask you, Senior Brother, about some hidden matters.”

The ancient texts of the Rebellious Spirit Blood Sect didn't contain all the information. Some secrets were only passed down orally, from generation to generation. Even today, this accumulated knowledge and heritage are beyond the grasp of ordinary individuals.

Upon hearing this, the Blood Demon Hall Master nodded knowingly. “It's normal to have questions after just breaking through. But there's no rush. This is a perfect opportunity to hold a Soul Transformation Celebration, gather high-grade spiritual treasures from the Demonic Alliance, and boost the morale of our demonic cultivators. I have the answers to your questions, Senior Brother. How about we discuss them together once Huang Quan arrives?”

Unexpectedly, Wang Yu directly refused. “A celebration isn't necessary. Those individuals won't bestow any fifth-tier spiritual items anyway. As for boosting our prestige, once I appear on the battlefield, the news will naturally spread.”

At present, ordinary spiritual items had little to no effect on him. A celebration was purely a waste of time. Having sensed the threat posed by the Prison King Spirit Official, Wang Yu had no intention of wasting time on such unnecessary matters. Besides, he still possessed resources acquired years ago that remained unused. These included a batch of precious medicinal pills from his treasury, which he had been saving to refine after achieving Soul Transformation. All these treasures, obtained during his journey to Dongji Jing, possessed rather unique properties. About a few of them could aid Soul Transformation cultivation. In particular, the supreme longevity pills acquired from the First Human Emperor's secret vault were undoubtedly among the top treasures in this realm. He was still young and simply had no immediate use for them.

“Not holding it…” Hearing Wang Yu's refusal, the Blood Demon Hall Master was momentarily surprised. His quick mind swiftly made a connection.

“You want to leave?”

“Not exactly; I merely need to leave for a while. My cultivation path dictates that I must personally travel to the Ancient Chaotic Sea to acquire some essential items.”

Although Wang Yu had acquired the complete 'Flood Dragon Ascending Cloud True Art' from Wang Yushan, this was only a fourth-tier body-refining technique. Using it merely as a reference wasn't enough to help him advance his 'Nether Demon Dragon Art.' He needed at least three such techniques, each cultivated to a certain level of mastery, to extract their core principles. It would be better to do it all at once: completely overhaul the 'Nether Demon Dragon Art.' After resetting it, he could utilize the placement slot's effect again, enabling it to break through to the sixth tier. Therefore, he had a strong desire to go to the Ancient Sky Sea Sect. His primary goal was to find a highly compatible fifth-tier body-refining technique and, using it as a core, cultivate a new body-refining legacy. This would not only address his shortcomings but also resolve some issues in his body-refining cultivation.

Although the Blood Demon Hall Master didn't know his precise objective, he still nodded understandingly: “I see, Senior Brother. In that case… just ask any questions you have. This is a communication artifact specially crafted by an Artifact Forging Grandmaster. As long as you're within the Scarlet Phoenix Demonic Domain, you'll connect instantly. If you're overseas, information transfer might be considerably slower, but it will definitely reach me within half a month.”

“Thank you.”

This item was similar to the conch artifact Wang Yu had previously acquired; it might even be an upgraded version, considering its communication range. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it an extremely valuable artifact.

“State your questions.”

“Alright, Sect Master, I want to ask about the cultivation methods for the primordial spirit. Do you or Fellow Daoist Huang Quan have any insights?”

“As expected, it's this question.” The Blood Demon Hall Master gave a wry smile. “Have you noticed that the growth of the primordial spirit stems from three areas? First, there are spiritual pills and precious elixirs that enhance the strength of the soul and divine sense. Second, various illusory trials that temper one's spirit, will, and even mind, or genuine, arduous challenges. Experiencing these leads to improvement. And third, comprehending heaven and earth, seeking patterns within all natural things. This generally refers to special secret methods for cultivating the primordial spirit, which offer the greatest enhancement but are also the most challenging of the three approaches.”

At this point, the Blood Demon Hall Master paused. As if gathering his thoughts, he then continued. “The scarcity of these secret methods is far greater than that of ferocious beast bloodlines. Within the entire Scarlet Phoenix Demonic Domain, only the Heaven Refining Demonic Sect possesses them, but the situation in Taihu is different. The fundamental cultivation method of Crane Return Valley records a secret art named the 'Pine Crane Longevity Contemplation Method.' This secret method is the introductory version for primordial spirit cultivation and can later be upgraded to the 'Green Pine Pagoda Spirit Forging Method!’”

Upon hearing this, Wang Yu suddenly understood. “So, the Demonic Alliance bypassing the Sword Sect's territory wasn't just because it's a tough nut to crack?”

“Precisely. The Heaven Refining Demonic Sect already planned to attack the Sword Sect last, so Huang Quan and I seized the opportunity and designated Crane Return Valley as our primary target.”

“I see.”

However... upon hearing the name and origin of this secret method, Wang Yu couldn't shake the feeling that this legacy wasn't for him. Demonic cultivators ought to embody their demonic nature. How could one contemplate an upright green pine tree? Regardless of success or failure, it seemed like bait to push the two new venerables to fight desperately. Yet, the Blood Demon Hall Master's words also served as a reminder to Wang Yu. Primordial spirit cultivation secret methods were exceptionally rare. Aside from the leading powers in both domains, mid- and late-stage Soul Transformation cultivators likely also possessed them, either acquired from ruins or obtained from ancient entities. His immediate thought was the Ancient Beast Ancestor Mountain; the remnant of the Beast God he had encountered there years ago had provided him with crucial assistance and information, which proved very helpful. But he had already passed it, so he couldn't do it again. After a moment's thought on how to proceed and what methods to use, an idea formed in his mind, and he then posed his second question.

“How to pass the Divine Transformation Tribulation?”

The Blood Demon Hall Master repeated his question, a faint, awkward expression on his remarkably handsome face, as if he were about to speak but held back.

“Senior Brother has difficulties?”

“Not at all. It's just that I'm unsure how to answer that question. The key to the Divine Transformation Tribulation lies in the method of triggering it. Ordinary methods are highly prone to accidents. For instance, attracting more than one Heavenly Demon… if one were to face multiple Heavenly Demons simultaneously within the Heavenly Demon illusion, even a late-stage Soul Transformation cultivator would be in grave danger. Luring and refining Heavenly Demons to seize their cores is inherently a perilous act. Succeeding once is hard enough, let alone three times. Therefore, a precise method of triggering the tribulation is paramount.”

“So that's how it is.”

Wang Yu genuinely didn't know much about this; he had only read warnings and brief accounts in books, none as clear and comprehensive as the Blood Demon Hall Master's explanation.

“My third question is about the comprehension of artistic conception.”

“Please don't ask any more.” The Blood Demon Hall Master interjected, stopping Wang Yu's increasingly outlandish questions. He said, frustrated, “That simply comes down to talent; I don't know anything further about it. Don't you have any more fundamental questions, Junior Brother? Like the cultivation of Dharma Idol divine abilities — have you manifested one? No issues there? Or have you simply not decided what type of Dharma Idol you want yet…”

“Well…” Wang Yu shook his head, a hint of dejection in his sigh. “In that case, Junior Brother, I have no more questions. I will remain within the sect for a period. After consolidating my power, I'll handle some lingering tasks from the past. Only after that will I consider traveling afar. If there's a need on the battlefield, you may contact me directly.”

“Very well, let's conclude for today. Tomorrow, I will make all the necessary arrangements for you. Since you don't plan to hold a Soul Transformation Celebration, it's best to keep your breakthrough concealed for now.”

With that said, as if fearing Wang Yu would pose more questions, the Blood Demon Hall Master eagerly departed. Seeing this, Wang Yu shook his head inwardly before making his way to the Cold Blood Peak's cultivation ground. The numerous benefits from his breakthrough still required more time to fully digest and control. He needed to reach a state of complete mastery to ensure no unexpected issues arose during combat.

Furthermore, with the elevation of his realm, his natal artifact and divine abilities had also successively advanced. While the Glazed Ice Heart Pagoda was still undergoing its metamorphosis, the Fiendish Demon Dragon Armor had completed its upgrade during his fifty years of secluded cultivation. A fifth-tier low-grade bloodline true artifact was an almost extinct treasure. It would have been difficult for Wang Yu to forge it himself; its advancement was entirely driven by the improvement of his cultivation.

After its advancement, the dragon armor's appearance had undergone a complete transformation. It retained its black base, with golden patterns flowing like marrow, seamlessly integrating with the power of the Golden Blood Divine Marrow, intricately connected and interactive. Dark blue dragon patterns adorned the unembellished areas of the armor. The flattened dragon-head beast devouring clasp at its waist seemed alive, exuding a dense fiendish aura. The skirt armor, cloud shoulders, and greaves all featured a fierce and robust design. It gave off an impression of invincibility, an impervious solidity, standing like a towering, majestic mountain.

The Fiendish Demon Dragon Armor could significantly enhance his physical constitution and defense. Although his defenses often seemed comically ineffective, the true artifact's boosting capabilities provided a substantial enhancement to all his body-refining abilities, leading to a considerable increase in his combat power.

As usual, after nourishing it with his vital energy, Wang Yu retrieved the Sun-Piercing Demonic Bow. Now, this weapon of destruction would finally unleash its true power. Activated by his Soul Transformation demonic essence, its aura fluctuations amplified by more than tenfold. The surging, overwhelming sensation of shifting from extreme heat to extreme cold, it made one feel as though they were in a purgatory of ice and fire. A mere flick caused the surrounding space to feel stagnant, as if it could be shattered at any moment by this weapon. The spiritual essence within the artifact also became more active than ever before, and was highly dependent on Wang Yu's aura.

“What a treasure! Before long, I'll let you feast on Soul Transformation blood!”

After several days of rest, Wang Yu went to Evil Sword Peak.

Evil Sword Peak, which had the worst relationship with Wang Yu in his early days, was inextricably linked to the Nascent Soul cultivators behind it. The Black Heaven Talisman Lord and the Nine Evils Sword Lord had once been his greatest enemies. The latter had died in Fengzhou many years ago; years had passed, and he had long since been replaced by newcomers, his name and story forgotten. However, the affiliated clans behind him were not completely annihilated; they had merely fallen into decline. Many connections still persisted, though their strongest members were only at the Core Formation stage. As for the Black Heaven Talisman Lord, since the war began, he had consciously avoided Wang Yu's presence. Roughly 120 years ago, after Wang Yu offended the Scarlet Heaven Demon Venerable and was forced to leave Scarlet Phoenix, he resumed his activities within the sect. Later, he was 'pardoned' by Scarlet Heaven, and whether true or false, this villain subsequently sought refuge in the Gui Fang Zhuo clan territory as a live-in son-in-law. Using secluded cultivation as an excuse, he avoided the war between the righteous and demonic factions, and also, conveniently, the increasingly ascendant Wang Yu. As long as he remained involved with the Rebellious Spirit Blood Sect, the influence of the three clans remained an absolutely insurmountable power.

But now the situation was different. The Sect Master's lineage, represented by the Blood Demon Hall Master, was also the strongest branch of the master-disciple inheritance, directly opposing the family factions. After breaking through to Soul Transformation more than fifty years ago, he gained the complete upper hand. If not for the demands of the war, he would have long since extended his 'demonic claws' toward the family factions. Even so, in recent years, numerous Nascent Soul and Core Formation families had been quietly wiped out by the 'righteous path.' The struggle for power and profit was the eternal, unchanging law of Scarlet Phoenix. Regardless of the circumstances, it was always occurring. Upon his return to the sect this time, many familiar faces had disappeared; most were Nascent Soul cultivators from the family factions. Under the pretext of secluded cultivation, they had returned to their respective backing powers and remained isolated, effectively mitigating risk.

Wang Yu's purpose in coming to Evil Sword Peak was self-evident. He had come specifically for the 'Profound Essence Demonic Embryo Secret Method.' There might be other clues regarding the origin of this secret method that he could pursue; he wasn't seeking some heaven-defying legacy. As long as he found a higher-tier secret method, he could advance the placement slot, thereby unleashing the true potential of his Ice Phoenix form and significantly boosting his cultivation speed.

That day, a mysterious aurora hovered among the clouds of Evil Sword Peak. Wang Yu looked down at the cultivation ground on the mountaintop, his cold voice directly entering it.

“Is the Evil Sword Mountain Lord present?”

An old man, with a heavy sword scabbard on his back and a white beard, emerged from the palace in the center of the cultivation ground, scrutinizing Wang Yu with surprise and uncertainty. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke. “Fellow Daoist Jifa of Cold Blood Peak? Why have you come to this old man's territory? The Black Heaven Talisman Lord has long since left the peak…”

“Not looking for him.” Wang Yu descended, a trace of his primordial spirit's oppressive aura permeating the air. The Evil Sword Mountain Lord's knees buckled, and he nearly collapsed. As a Mountain Lord primarily responsible for mundane affairs, his cultivation was merely at the third level of the Nascent Soul stage, having already reached its limit. His combat prowess was extremely worrisome, which was why, even when Wang Yu adopted a condescending demeanor, he didn't react with anger. Now, sensing a Soul Transformation oppressive aura identical to the Sect Master's, cold sweat instantly spread from his forehead to the nape of his neck, and his aged voice was almost trembling.

“Gre… greetings, Venerable One…”

“Rise.” Wang Yu was immediately satisfied. He held prejudice and ill will toward Evil Sword Peak, so he naturally wouldn't adopt a pleasant demeanor. “This Venerable requires Nine Evils' cultivation records, as well as a list of places he visited and experiences he had during his Core Formation to Nascent Soul stages.”

“Th—”