Chapter 559: Magic Might Suppresses Sword Sect, Peak Battle Begins

Very good. I hope you live a long time. The Frozen Devil's consciousness said softly.

It pointed a finger at Wang Yu from a distance, and the pure demonic energy that had entered Wang Yu's body was once again squeezed out from his Qi Sea, forming ancient demonic script characters. There weren't many characters, but each was profound and invaluable.

Once the power controlling the demonic energy disappeared, he clearly felt the hidden manipulation within the energy vanish. He wasn't sure if this was intentional, meant for him to notice, or if the Frozen Devil's consciousness was expressing sincerity. To be safe, it would be more prudent to discard this power after the Sword Sect's decisive battle.

However...

"Only the cultivation method? Why are there no accompanying artifact refining blueprints or secret divine abilities?"

The top-grade fifth-tier "Ten Directions Frozen Devil Path" only provided him with the cultivation method's operational route and its essence, with nothing else.

Seeing Wang Yu's confusion, the Frozen Devil's consciousness replied, "Once you spread this legacy among the Ice Clan, you can naturally have as many divine abilities and secret techniques as you desire. Since this is a cooperation, surely, my young friend Chitian, you wouldn't forbid this Demon Lord from keeping a trump card?"

"Reasonable."

Wang Yu slowly nodded. Even without divine abilities or secret techniques, having the legacy was sufficient. At the very least, he could deduce cultivation methods for the sixth-tier Void Refinement stage. Given enough time, he might find a way to circumvent the Immortal's rules, or use this to better understand the power possessed by Void Refinement stage cultivators. In short, the benefits were endless.

With matters settled, Wang Yu had made his decision: he would not return to the Frozen Devil's seal grounds in the short term. Moreover, this incident introduced a significant variable. If the Frozen Devil's body could give birth to a new consciousness using its remaining physical consciousness, then other ancient devils could do the same. Vaguely, his intuition told him, perhaps one of the Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable's trump cards was inextricably linked to these newly born ancient devil consciousnesses.

The Great Scarlet Heaven Vitality-Seizing Demonic Art, the Heaven-Refining Demonic Scripture, the Ninety-Nine Earth Fiend Body Tempering Art, and the Limitless Danqing Marvelous Scripture—these four Nascent Soul Transformation cultivation methods were the fundamental legacies of the Heaven-Refining Demonic Sect. Four Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators were born through them, and each of them was quite powerful. Based on their names alone, they didn't seem to have much connection to the ancient devil's legacy of life, though the Vitality-Seizing Demonic Art might be related. Lacking crucial information, it was pointless to ponder here. He still needed to investigate in person.

Thinking of this, Wang Yu cupped his hands and said, "In that case, Chitian will take his leave first. I will do my utmost to spread the Demon Lord's cultivation method." With that, his form transformed into a streak of aurora and swiftly departed. The demonic shadow quietly watched him leave, its new consciousness filled with anticipation and ambition, evidently unaware that Wang Yu was merely extorting it.

***

Taihu Lake — Void Heaven Sword Sect.

As the leader of the righteous path, its sect resided on a floating immortal mountain thousands of zhang high. Below it lay Taihu Lake, spanning thousands of li, an area no less vast than the sea. Within the shimmering turquoise waters, numerous scaled creatures akin to dragons swam freely, some leaping, others roaring towards the sky, creating an ethereal, almost immortal atmosphere. Thick clouds and mist perpetually enveloped the area. Seventy-two much shorter sword peaks were interconnected by iron chains and cloud bridges, forming a protective array around the main sect grounds.

This was also the Void Heaven Sword Sect's protective grand array, balancing offense and defense, known as — the Seventy-Two Divine Swords Array of Guizang! Ranked as top-grade fifth-tier, it resonated with the stars and earth veins. When operated by a Celestial Array Master, it could even slay Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators! This array alone could ensure the sect's safety.

At that time, in the Sword Sect's Hall of Returning to Void, all Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators were gathered. Venerable Taixu Sword, Dan Chenzi, and Chunyangzi were the older generation of Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators in the Sword Sect. Taixu possessed peak Nascent Soul Transformation cultivation, while the latter two were at the fifth level. Venerable Jianhe, Venerable Fuling, and Daoist Miaozhen were the new generation of Venerables who had emerged over the last millennium. The former two were at the third level of Nascent Soul Transformation, and Daoist Miaozhen was at the second level. In the past century, Sword Head Haoran was bestowed with the Heavenly Dao Jade. He successfully upgraded the Haoran Sword Scripture to the fifth-tier, and using the opportunity of law deduction, successfully broke through the heavenly chasm, transforming his Nascent Soul into a Nascent Soul Transformation cultivator, becoming the Sword Sect's seventh Venerable. This showed the immense gap between the Sword Sect and other righteous sects in Taihu Lake. If they were determined not to intervene, it would be natural for the demonic path to sweep in.

On Chiyuan's side, there were Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable, Earth Fiend Demonic Venerable, Limitless Demonic Venerable, Chitian Demonic Venerable, Yellow Spring Demonic Venerable, and the Blood Demon Hall Master, in addition to Wang Yu, the Extreme Law Profound Pill Demonic Venerable. This also totaled exactly seven individuals. The righteous and demonic paths combined had fourteen Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators, and adding the scattered Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators from overseas, the total number of Venerables in the entire Ice Prison Realm exceeded twenty. However, most of the rogue cultivators had perished by now. Only Venerable Longchan and Heavenly Mother Su were still alive for now; these two would be subordinates of the Prison King Spirit Official, along with the neutral Poisonous Flood Dragon Demon Venerable, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger.

It was currently unknown in what form the Sword Sect's decisive battle would unfold.

In the Hall of Returning to Void, Venerable Taixu Sword looked at the six Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators below. Seeing such a gathering of talent, yet having to rely on the demonic path to break the deadlock, he was filled with immense emotion. He said, "Heaven-Refining has already departed with the sect's elites and will soon rendezvous with the demonic allied forces, gathering before our sect's main gate. Do any of you have thoughts?"

The cooperation with Heaven-Refining was merely an unspoken understanding between higher-ups. The two had never actually communicated. However, regarding the cooperation, only Dan Chen and Chunyang knew; Jianhe, Fuling, Miaozhen, and Haoran were unaware. But being able to cultivate to this realm, they were all well aware of the situation in the Ice Prison Realm. They could roughly guess their Sect Master's intentions, so when they looked at each other, they had nothing to say.

"We will follow all of the Sect Master's arrangements."

"Good." Venerable Taixu readily agreed and issued the pre-planned arrangements one by one.

"Jianhe, go guard the Sword Mound. Await my command to activate the Myriad Sword Art, exhausting the Sword Mound's ten thousand years of accumulation. This might wound the Prison King Spirit Official."

"Jianhe obeys."

"Miaozhen, Fuling, Haoran, the three of you will oversee the Seventy-Two Divine Swords Array of Guizang. Do not hold back; exert your full power. Even if it's a Nascent Soul Transformation demonic venerable, you may strike to kill."

"We obey your command."

Although they didn't understand why the Sect Master made such a choice, none of the three were inclined to ask questions. Since there was a command, they would simply carry it out.

"Go now and prepare. In as short as a month, or as long as three, you will surely face the danger of the demons besieging the mountain."

"—Yes, sir!"

After the four left, only Taixu, Dan Chen, and Chunyang, the three older generation cultivators, remained in the Hall of Returning to Void. Chunyangzi's face was date-red. Carrying the Pure Yang Spirit Sword on his back, and with his Pure Yang Sword Scripture, he was a legendary sword cultivator who struck fear into the hearts of demons. He now spoke, "Senior Brother, are you certain that Sword Son Qiuzhen will act as our inside agent?"

"Naturally. If the array isn't breached, how can demonic cultivators invade the Life Demon's seal grounds?"

Dan Chenzi, however, said, "With this play... will the Prison King Spirit Official take the bait?"

"This is an open conspiracy. Whether he sees through it or not, he must come. Once here, he won't be able to choose whether to leave or stay." Venerable Taixu Sword replied, then continued, "This battle is perilous. If I unfortunately perish, the plan must still continue, until we break the cage that has trapped countless ancestors for hundreds of thousands of years!"

"Senior Brother's fortune is boundless, surely a good person will have heaven's blessing!"

"—Heh heh." Taixu, however, smiled calmly and shook his head, saying, "These words are not only for you but also for myself. If you were to die, the principle would be the same."

The two immediately fell silent. After a long silence, Chunyangzi spoke, "If this battle is lost, what will happen?"

"Dust to dust, ashes to ashes. Life will eventually end, spirits will eventually perish, and all things will eventually fade away. No matter how glorious, it will be nothing more than a mound of yellow earth, a handful of green ash." Venerable Taixu walked to the front of the ancestral statue, as if answering Chunyangzi's question, and also expressing his determination to fight until his last breath! At this point, the survival of the orthodox lineage was no longer the primary concern. Should they fail, the entire cultivation world would inevitably face a great purge, and another generational gap would occur. After several years, someone would unearth immortal cultivation legacies from the ruins. Naturally, a new cultivation world would emerge. At that time, they, too, would become part of history, among the many failed predecessors. Hence, he had never considered the survival of the Seven Righteous Sects. As for forces below the Nascent Soul Transformation stage, their sacrifice was simply that—a sacrifice. Matters had reached a point of no return.

Dan Chenzi sighed and cupped his hands, saying, "I will go prepare the Immortal Black Tablet and meticulously record every detail of this plan."

Venerable Taixu smiled with satisfaction. "Excellent."

***

Two months later, black clouds pressed down like a city, covering the thousands of miles around the Sword Sect's immortal mountain. Vast demonic energy emanated freely within the churning clouds. Blood-red light, bone swords, ghost wails, and corpse howls filled the air. It was as if the apocalypse had arrived. The sky was filled with paper money used for funerals, and myriad-soul banners stood tall in all directions. The ominous clouds formed by vengeful spirits and ghosts were terrifying beyond measure. Ominous beasts, each as massive as a mountain, appeared. Pink mist filled with decadent sounds, the great Yellow Spring River manifesting from the void... The main forces of the five demonic sects had unequivocally gathered at the Sword Sect's floating immortal mountain.

Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable stood at the forefront, flanked by the tower-like Earth Fiend Demonic Venerable and an old man with pale hair, the Limitless Demonic Venerable! Chitian, who had only recently recovered his physical body, stood on the periphery. Yellow Spring Demonic Venerable and the Blood Demon Hall Master also stood not far away. Although the latter had personality issues, he still possessed his own judgment in matters of great principle, aside from an uncontrollable longing and reverence for the ancient Blood Demon. Other than developing a desire to help the ancient Blood Demon break its seal, he was still essentially himself. His participation in the battle was not an issue, though it was highly likely mixed with some personal motives.

Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable looked at the multitude of demons, a satisfied expression in his heart. His gaze drifted to a corner within the black clouds, where the only remaining Celestial Demons of the demon race—Poisonous Flood Dragon Demon Venerable, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger—were hidden. But as he looked around again, he noticed a missing figure. He couldn't help but turn his head and ask, "Blood Demon Hall Master, where is Fellow Daoist Jifa of your sect now?"

The Hall Master directly shook his head and said, "He might have gone to the Endless Ice Plains. When I'm in the sect, he won't be cultivating in seclusion here. Should we wait for him?"

"Let's wait. Fellow Daoist Jifa's strength is not to be underestimated; this battle requires his power."

No sooner had he spoken than a dazzling aurora streaked across the sky, swiftly landing before the demonic multitude, transforming into Wang Yu's snow-white robed figure. Seeing that everyone had arrived, Wang Yu raised an eyebrow and stared at Chitian for a few moments until the latter turned his head away, avoiding eye contact. Wang Yu then understood the Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable's intention. It was much as he had anticipated. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, fellow Daoists."

"No need for formalities." Yellow Spring Demonic Venerable was the first to respond, chuckling as he approached Wang Yu: "Fellow Daoist, you're finally here. Without further ado, let's begin the assault on the mountain."

"No rush." Wang Yu slowly shook his head. His delay wasn't due to travel time; at his speed, he could reach the Sword Sect's main gate from the Endless Ice Plains in at most half a month. The vacant time was, of course, spent contacting his little spy. After he released Changxi years ago, she used her influence to rejoin the ranks of direct disciples, successfully becoming an apprentice to Venerable Fuling, her status similar to that of the Twelve Sword Sons. Yet, despite her long disappearance, she hadn't been investigated by the sect. This was actually due to Venerable Taixu's tacit approval. Just as one doesn't fear getting more lice when already infested, he accepted as many demonic spies as came to him, sensing the coming storm. Many matters were not intentionally concealed. This was precisely to convey information to the demonic path through this "feigned incompetence" method. If the main gate couldn't be breached, how could the Prison King Spirit Official be lured out? Therefore, Wang Yu already knew of Taixu's arrangements in advance. Presumably, Heaven-Refining was in a similar situation.

His gaze returned. After Wang Yu said "No rush," his gaze turned to Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable. "I presume Fellow Daoist knows that over ten years ago, the Prison King Spirit Official personally led several Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators to ambush me. After that battle, more than half of the Nascent Soul Transformation spies he supported were lost, with only Heavenly Mother Su surviving. However, Venerable Longchan of the Ancient Heavenly Sea Sect has likely also become this villain's lackey. With two late-stage Nascent Soul Transformation cultivators, their combined strength has, in a way, actually increased."

Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable's brows furrowed. "Wang Yu, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Wang Yu smiled. "This battle is dangerous. I heard that your esteemed sect possesses a secret method for refining demonic corruption. I wonder if I might be fortunate enough to gain insight into its true meaning."

Though not explicitly stated, these words were a clear act of opportunism. If he didn't give it? Then he shouldn't blame his friend for running away. Such a disregard for the bigger picture was something only he would do. The other Nascent Soul Transformation demonic venerables, hearing this, frowned deeply, wondering why he was pulling such a stunt. Could it be that, if they failed, he alone would still gain some advantage? Was he not afraid the Prison King Spirit Official would hunt him down and kill him? But on second thought, he had already escaped a meticulously planned trap by the other party, and had even managed to severely wound them in return—a classic case of "trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice." Perhaps, he genuinely wasn't afraid of the Prison King Spirit Official winning and settling scores afterward. Even if isolated and helpless, this young man probably had the confidence to survive, which explained his extortionate behavior.

Heaven-Refining Demonic Venerable, the target of this extortion, also understood the core of the matter. His face showed helplessness, but inwardly, he detested Wang Yu. He had lost count of how many times Wang Yu had taken advantage of him. After a long pause for thought, "Alright, this is the secret method for refining demonic corruption. It requires a certain spiritual state to cultivate, and refining demonic corruption is not an overnight task; it will take at least a hundred years to completely clear it."

"No matter."

Receiving the spiritual consciousness jade slip, Wang Yu quickly grinned after examining it. This secret method, called the "Devil-Crossing Heart Incantation," could transform the characteristics of demonic corruption into nourishment for the growth of one's mental power. It was specifically designed to counter things that subtly twisted people's minds. It was an unconventional secret technique from ancient Buddhist sects, originally intended to deal with the celestial demons that appeared during the Tribulation of Divine Transformation. The power possessed by celestial demons was, in essence, a talent for twisting minds. With this, he could safely transition to cultivating the Ten Directions Frozen Devil Path.

"Since I've obtained the secret method, let's prepare. —Begin the attack!"