Chapter 567: Chaos Era, Post-Fermentation Situation

"It's no bother. Meeting you again, Brother Xie, is truly a great fortune. Have you heard about the recent commotion between the two sects?" Wang Yu's eyes darted, and he immediately addressed him as "Brother."

After all, when they first met in the Blood Abyss, the other party had always been in a subordinate position. For Xie Xiean to have grown smoothly to this day, he must have had other fortuitous encounters. He couldn't have gotten this far purely by luck and a problematic Soul Transformation inheritance. Therefore, upon their unexpected reunion, this person was an excellent target to win over. With past favors and being an old friend from the same sect, he would be a great asset if Wang Yu were to establish a force or scheme against the Prison King Spirit Official in the future. Befriending him was definitely the right choice.

Hearing this, Xie Xiean couldn't help but smile wryly. "I truly didn't expect that the righteous and demonic paths would transform into this state in the blink of an eye. The Spirit Reversal Blood Sect's blood path techniques are too damaging to heavenly harmony. Could it be that the Blood冥 Three Demons' act of refining the Blood Sea Spirit Treasure means the entire Scarlet Kite cultivation world will be sacrificed by them?"

What he said was something Wang Yu had only learned in the past few days. Previously, while searching for treasures overseas, he had paid less attention to the mainland's situation, focusing only on the movements of the Ancient Demon of Life. Hence, Wang Yu received the news relatively late.

Currently, the rules of sects governing the world have been almost entirely abandoned. Various Nascent Soul cultivators have formed teams based on their connections, pillaging, burning, and massacring everywhere, performing blood sacrifices to demonic treasures, intending to gain enough power before the arrival of the world-ending calamity. In Scarlet Kite, several teams have become particularly infamous, having achieved terrifying feats like sacrificing ten cities with blood.

One of these was the Blood冥 Three Demons. The three brothers, hailing from the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect, were considered old acquaintances of Wang Yu, yet they had committed such atrocious acts. This was entirely different from their usual demeanor. Especially the Blood Axe Demonic Monarch; logically, a cultivator who was willing to guide juniors and possessed a pure heart should not have, nor would he have disdained, to commit such deeds. However, the deed was done, merely humanity exposed under immense pressure, fitting the demonic path's nature but ultimately disappointing.

Of course, Wang Yu, already possessing Soul Transformation cultivation, was somewhat hypocritical in making such a judgment from his elevated position, unaware of whether he would also choose to sacrifice the world if faced with such a situation. Although he cultivated the demonic path, he wasn't a demon who massacred all living beings. He pursued wanton joy, freedom, leisure, and impulsiveness. But freedom itself inherently possessed a demonic nature. Humans—are a species that inherently requires limitations!

Getting back to the point. The Blood冥 Three Demons, using the Undying Blood Sea Scripture as their foundation, cultivated Blood Sea esoteric techniques. Their three origins merged into one, and with millions of living beings as sacrifices, they refined a demonic treasure—the Blood Sea! The three abandoned their physical bodies, and their Nascent Souls merged into the Blood Sea, transforming into a form similar to artifact spirits. They possessed the three-headed, six-armed Blood Sea Asura dharma idol, truly gaining power comparable to Soul Transformation cultivators. This dharma idol was their physical body, with three consciousnesses taking turns controlling the Blood Sea demonic treasure. However, they lost the possibility of independent cultivation and advancement. To continue improving their strength, they could only constantly absorb the blood of living beings and expand the Blood Sea's area. Only in this way could they grow stronger, breaking free from the shackles of conventional paths. In the short term, this seemed like a good thing, but if they couldn't quickly advance to a sixth-tier demonic treasure, their consciousnesses would be eroded by the Blood Sea, eventually leaving only spirituality with no self to speak of. A sixth-tier spirit treasure is an artifact of the tool path, a threshold for possessing a true self. Crossing it promises a bright future; failing to cross it leads to an unpredictable outcome. Currently, this Blood Sea demonic treasure was still wreaking havoc within the territory under the Spirit Reversal Blood Sect!

That was the first point; now for the second. Although Di Mingzi, Filth Daoist, and others from the Yellow Springs Temple did not cultivate demonic techniques to harm the region, they initiated the Yellow Springs Temple's world-ending plan. It was as if they had burned their boats, utterly resolute. The entire Dead Silent Desert, including parts of the East Sea, Taizhou, and the Bamboo Sea (places Wang Yu had visited), was completely engulfed by the Spirit Refining Array, becoming a land devoid of spiritual energy. The world's rules retreated, and its former splendor was no more. However, their preparations were ultimately insufficient; the Spirit Refining Array could not cover the entire Ice Prison Realm. The world-ending, cage-breaking plan only resulted in a zone completely devoid of spiritual energy. As time passes, the world's rules will re-establish themselves, allowing this area to regain its spiritual vitality, as the world's innate regulatory mechanism takes effect. However, that would be tens of thousands of years later.

The Yellow Springs Temple cultivators disappeared during this world-ending plan, with a ninety percent chance they followed the Yellow Springs River. Their sect's secret realm contained a proper tributary of the Yellow Springs. By going upstream and seeking its source, they might have found a way to leave the Ice Prison Realm. Wang Yu had originally intended to visit the Yellow Springs Temple. Under these circumstances, he could only restrain himself and wait for a suitable opportunity.

Nevertheless, with the Spirit Refining Array having devoured so much of the world's spiritual energy, it would undoubtedly birth spiritual treasures far exceeding the rule's limits, akin to endlessly sublimated top-grade spirit stones. If found, such an item would be an immense fortuitous encounter. However, that desolate land, besides its spiritual barrenness, was also eroded by the Yellow Springs. Without the Yellow Springs Temple disciples to control it, it would likely become a paradise for Yellow Springs ghosts. One must be extremely cautious when seeking treasures there. Even Soul Transformation cultivators could be worn down and die in that area. If Wang Yu were to go, he would first prepare spirit treasures that counter Yellow Springs ghosts.

That was the second point; now for the third. The lunatics from the Underworld Mountain Sect were even more extreme, directly tearing open the Yin-Yang Road, leading a large number of Yin Beasts from the netherworld into Scarlet Kite. They then used the Nascent Soul possession method to transform directly into Yin Beast species, escaping disaster by going straight into the netherworld via the Yin-Yang Road. It's worth noting that Yellow Springs and the netherworld are not the same concept. They are two distinct realms. The Yellow Springs realm has many layers and also includes the Azure Sky. It possesses its own rules. While the netherworld is also a habitat for Yin souls, Yin Beasts, and other beings, it is chaotic and disorderly. Legend says that the Yellow Springs are governed by the Five Emperors of Fengdu, with countless subordinate organizations, forming a divine system of the ghost path. The netherworld, on the other hand, is a chaotic realm of reincarnation, with various ghost kings vying for power and endless warfare. Both realms simultaneously border myriad worlds, much like the supreme stars, the Great Yin and the Great Yang. Since ancient times, there have only been two of each. The Great Yin and Great Yang of all realms are projections that possess a physical form, akin to parallel counterparts, holding a supreme status where all selves return to one. The Underworld Mountain Sect's choice almost betrayed their human identity, but by possessing Yin Beasts, their selves would eventually be swallowed by the violent Yin Beast will. This was merely a method of clinging to life. However, the fully torn Yin-Yang Road also caused a large number of "wild Yin Beasts" to appear in southern Scarlet Kite. These creatures were not only bloodthirsty and fond of devouring human souls but also instinctively modified their environment to resemble that of the netherworld. Four-fifths of Scarlet Kite's territory became like a massive dye vat. All sorts of demons, monsters, and ghosts were present, but hardly any living people remained.

As for the Joyful Demonic Sect, they were arguably the most unremarkable, holding countless wild orgies night after night, conducting all sorts of uninhibited gatherings, and ruthlessly cultivating by extracting from anyone they caught. Recently, they seemed to be attempting to break the seal on the Demon of Desire. Without the hindrance of the righteous path, they would likely succeed soon, adding more fuel to the already chaotic Ice Prison Realm.

Wang Yu had no desire whatsoever to interfere with the Joyful Demonic Sect's actions. The Scarlet Kite region was essentially ruined. Even if he were to establish a force, he would choose the Taihu Lake area, which at least was well-preserved and had more beautiful and pleasant scenery.

There were fourteen teams similar to the Blood冥 Three Demons. It would take a while to enumerate them all.

Wang Yu chatted with Xie Xiean in the clouds for a long time. Besides exchanging information, he primarily asked about how to resolve the demonic contamination. "Brother Wang, I really can't help much with the demonic contamination issue, but it's eighty percent likely related to the Barren Ancient Plains. It's not just a simple demon sealing ground." He continued, "Let's discuss the Prison King Spirit Official instead."

Wang Yu nodded. "This matter can't be rushed either. Both of our strengths are still quite lacking. The immediate priority is to find a way to improve our power. The Blood冥 Three Demons' Blood Sea demonic treasure can make its wielder eternally immortal as long as their Blood Sea doesn't dry up. It's a rare demonic treasure. Are you interested in going there?"

Xie Xiean pondered for a moment, then looked at Jin Miaoshan, who was cultivating the "Killing Saint Asura Scripture" in the mansion, and smiled wryly. "Brother Wang, it's best if your confidante doesn't meet me. She seems not to have shed the scripture's demonic contamination yet and could easily become hostile towards me. The Blood Sea demonic treasure, however, is a good item. I, Xie, am willing to make the trip."

"Alright then," Wang Yu nodded.

"Oh, and please, brother, send the three demons' Nascent Souls into reincarnation." "Understood." Things had come to this point, with no room for reversal. Allowing them to enter reincarnation normally, giving them a chance at rebirth, was the greatest kindness he could offer. With the world in chaos now, the widespread disorder would likely persist for a very long time, and he felt powerless to stop it.

Watching Xie Xiean leave, Wang Yu looked at the situation below, a severe headache blooming. How was it that when other protagonists had harems, it was always a scene of harmony and bliss? He merely had a few confidantes. Yet, they could argue like this. What if he actually gave them official titles?

Composing himself, he knew that what had to be faced, eventually would be faced.

In the main hall, after Jin Miaoshan had single-handedly fought Ice Spirit Fairy, Yan Ling, and Dou Zhao, she hadn't even had a moment to catch her breath and was about to continue her snide remarks. Suddenly, she noticed the hall had become exceptionally silent. A familiar aura appeared behind her. Who else could it be but Wang Yu?

"You scoundrel..." Jin Miaoshan gritted her teeth, pointing at Dou Zhao and raising her voice. "Is this how you teach your disciple?" Then she pointed at Ice Spirit Fairy. "And her, asking to dual cultivate with you? Even offering a fifth-tier treasure elixir to tempt you?" "This one called Yan Ling, she's your junior sister, right..."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Wang Yu immediately covered her mouth, frowning. "Miaoshan, you're going too far."

Evidently, Jin Miaoshan had, at some point, positioned herself as the mistress of the household, and thus found fault with everyone. Seeing her eyes redden, Wang Yu quickly tried to comfort her. "You are all my wings; there's no need to compete."

However, this phrase wasn't as magical as online lore suggested in his past life. Jin Miaoshan gave him a glare and walked away. Ice Spirit Fairy's blue eyes glared fiercely at him, and she, too, left.

"Junior Sister Yan Ling." As Wang Yu chuckled and approached, the cool and elegant junior sister pushed him away. "I haven't done my daily practice yet. I'm going to cultivate."

"Disciple, it's been a long time. Your master misses you greatly." Dou Zhao was rather embarrassed, her moist, large eyes revealing a strong desire to draw closer. However, with the other seniors being so resolute, she chose to conform. "Dou... Dou Zhao, I don't miss Master. I... I'll go first." As her words fell, her figure transformed into a flash of fire and vanished.

Only Tantai Chan, Yu Tangtang, Yin Gui and her disciple, and Wei Hao remained in the hall. Wei Hao turned his head away from Wang Yu's gaze and quickly said, "The Wei clan has all arrived in Golden Toad City. From now on, we await Your Holiness's command." Yin Gui, also serious, directly stated, "The disciples of Guiyin Demonic Palace are likewise ready. Lian Yan, my disciple, let's go for now. Brother Wang has matters to attend to." "Oh~" Lian Yan had originally intended to get some advice from Dou Zhao, but the spectacle here was clearly more entertaining. Unfortunately, staying longer would be impolite. Matters could always be discussed later, and His Holiness's prestige still needed to be respected.

And so, one by one, they left. Only the trio from centuries ago remained. Wang Yu vaguely remembered those days in the small courtyard, where he toiled in the medicinal fields, and Yu Tangtang stirred a large pot in the corridor. Deacon Tantai was the most dignified and had taken good care of him.

At this moment, Yu Tangtang, who had been frowning due to the chaotic arguments, brightened with a smile upon seeing Wang Yu. Lying on the table, she counted on her fingers, "Wang Yu, it's been one, two, three, eight... days since we last met." Tantai Chan, standing by, said helplessly, "Tangtang, don't talk nonsense."

Yu Tangtang possessed a pure heart. She seemed naive and cute but had extremely high comprehension of the Great Dao. The more Wang Yu learned about the demon race, the more he understood the uniqueness of her situation. In earlier years, he thought Tangtang had a Heavenly Grade bloodline. Later, he considered her an archaic remnant species, at most a mid-grade fierce beast. But now... she had cultivated to the peak of Nascent Soul without any signs of breaking through a secret technique or restoring her true form. Could her potential be the strongest in the Ice Prison Realm? "Just don't tell me it's a True Spirit bloodline..."

As this thought crossed his mind, Wang Yu picked up Yu Tangtang, exclaiming, "You've gotten heavier again. Your true form isn't some mountain spirit, is it?" Yu Tangtang immediately puffed out her cheeks in displeasure. She headbutted him on the side of his face, pouting, "Don't say Tangtang is fat!" "Alright, alright, you're the lightest." "That's more like it."

A child's temper came and went quickly; with a few words, she was coaxed into a good mood. Tantai Chan, watching from the side, smiled broadly. The three of them used to be just like this in the past. The past was always worth remembering.

Only then did Wang Yu have time to focus on Tantai Chan. Noticing her peak Core Formation cultivation, he raised an eyebrow and reached out to encircle her slender waist, which had blossomed like a fruit-bearing branch. "Little Chan'er, if we're being strict about it, you're the true mistress. Why were you silent just now?"

Tantai Chan was momentarily startled, knowing Wang Yu was joking. Yet, a trace of bitterness lingered in her heart. *Just playing around, is it?* Wang Yu had always guided her in alchemy, and as... compensation, though she felt some shame, she was also immersed in it. Regarding matters of affection, he had always been very cautious. Despite the fierce arguments today, everyone present, one by one, was not Wang Yu's chosen partner for life, and perhaps such a choice would never appear. Tantai Chan, in her absolutely disadvantaged position, understood this clearer than anyone. Jin Miaoshan's continued commotion today would only embarrass Wang Yu. She was different; she only wanted to satisfy Wang Yu.

"Heh~" Tantai Chan did not reply but instead extended her hand, expressing her intention.