The avatar of the Beiming Dutian Sword is capable of contending even against Nascent Soul cultivators. Unless faced with absolute necessity and a life-threatening situation, Zhang Yan would never use it.
At this moment, he heard the voice of Lu Ge from outside: "Fellow Daoist, after battling you for half a day, I must say that I admire your techniques. I’ve yet to inquire your esteemed name."
Zhang Yan responded with a faint smile, saying, "Zhang Yan."
"Ah, so it’s Daoist Zhang. Earlier, I mentioned taking you as a disciple, but based on your abilities, it seems my previous boast was unfounded. Nonetheless, I cannot let you escape and reveal the secrets of this place. Today, I shall bury you here," Lu Ge retorted.
Zhang Yan coldly sneered and replied, "Both our hearts already understand the truth. Why waste time with meaningless words?"
A hearty laugh came from outside, followed by Lu Ge’s voice: "Indeed, my tongue has been idle. Very well, Daoist Zhang, allow me to show you the might of my ’Seven Absolute Swallowing Yin Formation.’"
As his words faded, Lu Ge, standing outside the array, waved his horsetail whisk, and the formation roared into action.
The ’Seven Absolute Swallowing Yin Formation’ possesses a total of seven sealing gates, with only the bottom leaving a narrow ’Life Gate’ open. However, every hour this gate channels Netherworld Qi from seven layers below, continuously flooding the array.
But the true danger of this formation lies elsewhere. Should the Netherworld Qi fail to harm the trapped individual, the array will actively absorb it. Once the Netherworld Qi is removed, Nether River Water rises as accompanying yin winds sweep forth. These winds envelop the water, and regardless of protective treasures, the water will eventually corrupt and reduce artifacts to mere ordinary objects. Once the defenses are exhausted, death within the array becomes inevitable.
Inside the array, roaring echoes arose from the deep abyss below, resembling a torrent racing forward, surging with relentless intensity. The seventh realm’s ’Wu Qi Hen Qi’ emerged first, rising due to the array’s might. This Qi not only invades the body, deteriorating muscles and destroying bones, but also stirs inner discontent and grievances, igniting obsession and transforming it into devils that bring fiery demise.
As this hostile energy surged, Zhang Yan chuckled coldly. A Mysterious Light descended atop his head, dispersing the Qi and clearing the mist. The Wu Qi Hen Qi barely surfaced before the Golden Fire Mysterious Light scattered it into fragments.
Lu Ge, standing outside, had no expectation that this layer of Netherworld Qi would be effective against Zhang Yan. So, he persisted in manipulating the array, summoning the eighth realm’s ’Scattered Soul Hostility.’
This formless, intangible Qi attacks not the flesh, but the soul. Even the slightest trace causes immediate confusion, and over time, transforms the afflicted into a True Demon driven only to devour flesh and consume Netherworld Qi.
Zhang Yan realized this Netherworld Qi could not be resisted by the Mysterious Light. He shouted sharply and raised his hand, summoning the ’Harmony Carrying Cover.’
This Dharma Treasure flipped in mid-air, casting radiant rays that enveloped Zhang Yan. Despite the Scattered Soul Hostility swirling around him, it failed to create even the slightest disturbance.
The Mountain and River Child, observing this, also gave a sharp cry, unleashing the Mountain and River Map. A colossal hundred-zhang scroll unfurled in the air, methodically absorbing the Scattered Soul Hostility. Within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, the Netherworld Qi of the seventh realm had been completely eradicated.
As this Qi dissipated, the ninth realm’s ’Obscured Spirit Absolute Qi’ refused defeat, rising forcefully. Compared to the previous eight types of Netherworld Qi, this was far more ferocious. Merely glancing at it from afar could stir the Divine Soul, and with one lapse in control, one would plunge into the Nether River and remain eternally trapped, unable to reincarnate.
Though the Mountain and River Child had no fear of anything short of the Nether River Water rising, he understood the ferocity of the Obscured Spirit Absolute Qi. Without waiting for it to strike, he pressed the Mountain and River Map downward, fully absorbing its essence without allowing even a strand to escape.
After approximately an hour, this ninth realm’s Obscured Spirit Absolute Qi was also eradicated in its entirety.
From outside, Lu Ge shouted, "Daoist Zhang, though I do not know what techniques you’ve employed, to sweep away the lower three realms of Netherworld Qi in one breath is impressive. Yet, when the yin winds rise and the Nether River Water surfaces, even with protective treasures, how long can you last?"
Zhang Yan recognized this as Lu Ge’s attempt at undermining his resolve. With a faint sneer, he paid it no heed. fre ewebno(v)e\l.(c)om
Suddenly, a mournful wail rose from below, resembling the cries of myriad ghosts. The atmosphere turned bleak, and the Mountain and River Child’s expression tightened as he said, "Master, beware. The yin winds have arrived. I can no longer assist!"
Zhang Yan nodded, glancing downward. A dull yellow Qi wave surged from the depths, spinning as it entered the array, filling the air with endless wails and piercing shrieks.
In an instant, even the radiance of the ’Harmony Carrying Cover’ trembled, flickering uncontrollably as if about to be torn apart.
Zhang Yan discerned that while the yin winds appeared menacing, they likely posed no harm to him. Instead, he steadied his heart and spirit, carefully observing whether the Nether River Water was being drawn upward.
After a moment’s scrutiny, his suspicions were confirmed. Among the yin winds were droplets of black water swirling about. Their murky hues caused chest tightness, dizziness, and nausea at even a glance. Taken aback by its potency, Zhang Yan did not hesitate, instantly releasing a beam of Taiyin Xuan Guang aimed at the water. However, this only wore away a trace of the drop, as the Xuan Guang suddenly vanished entirely.
Seeming unperturbed, Zhang Yan took a deep breath and performed his spell, unleashing over a hundred consecutive Taiyin Xuan Guang strikes. At last, the single droplet of Nether River Water dimmed completely, transforming into its purest form of Netherworld Qi that drifted in mid-air.
However, this Netherworld Qi was condensed from Earth Yin Qi, known for its corruption of other Spiritual Energies. Even the Mountain and River Child dared not absorb it recklessly, fearing it would taint his Pure Spirit Qi. Only by allowing it to mingle with Mixed Energy and eventually merge into the nine types of Netherworld Qi could he dare absorb it.
Using the same method, Zhang Yan extinguished the remaining droplets of Nether River Water. This effort drained even his deep reserves, compelling him to consume an elixir. Reflecting internally, he thought, "Just a few droplets of Nether River Water have such power. If the yin winds carry a large surge of it upward, I fear it would be insurmountable."
Then, unexpectedly, his body trembled. The three pieces of You Yin Heavy Water residing quietly within his Qi Sea began to pulse and quiver, seeming eager to move. With a thoughtful expression, Zhang Yan swiftly released their restraints, allowing them to emerge.
As soon as the three pieces of You Yin Heavy Water appeared, they whirled like fierce beasts, greedily devouring the pure strands of Netherworld Qi until none remained. Return to Zhang Yan’s body thereafter, they fell silent once more.
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)