Chapter 756: Heaven Leaves a Path
Facing Lu Yang's admiring gaze, [Patriarch Nether Whisper] although finding it quite enjoyable, still waved his hand: "It's not that amazing. Actually, there are still flaws."
He was also worried Lu Yang would truly treat him as omnipotent, so he hurriedly emphasized his tone: "According to my method, although there is an eighty percent chance of Fellow Daoist Suo Huan recovering, whether the Dao Fruit cultivated using the World Realm Seed has hidden dangers remains to be seen. It might affect future cultivation."
"Moreover, as I said before."
"[Borrowing Dharma to Restore the Core]—if the Dharma exists, the Core is complete; if the Dharma is destroyed, the Core shatters. This is actually a huge flaw, meaning the Dao Fruit will have a trace of disharmony."
Because the concept of [Entering and Locking the Grotto Heaven] was added externally.
This was [Patriarch Nether Whisper]'s previous research direction. Now that there were results, it was essentially mounting another concept onto the foundation of [Wellspring Water].
Letting the new concept and the original Dao Fruit form a complex new system.
Normally, this wouldn't matter.
However, once the Dao Fruit suffered a heavy blow, the mounted concept would inevitably be the first to fall off. At that time, Suo Huan, whose foundation was based on this concept, would inevitably suffer heavy injuries.
And due to the newly added concept, if Suo Huan wanted to charge towards the Late Stage of Golden Core later, other Dao Fruits might not be able to be affiliated under his name. Because the Dao Fruit cultivated by the World Realm Seed was ultimately different from [Wellspring Water], the Dao path might end here.
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] cooperated with Lu Yang, explaining all the side effects clearly.
However, Suo Huan laughed upon hearing this: "I wondered what the downside was; it turns out to be just a scabies-like minor ailment. My Lord, Fellow Daoist Nether Whisper, there is no need to hesitate anymore."
"Let's just do it!"
Suo Huan's expression was very calm.
Because he truly thought so. Once the Dao Fruit suffered a heavy blow, he himself would perish. Then just protecting the Dao Fruit would suffice; it wasn't a big problem at all.
Moreover, he usually spent his time fiddling with [Universe Ruins Realm] inside the [Righteous Dao Banner], striving to revive the appearance of the World Realm of the past. He rarely encountered dangers that would threaten his Dao Fruit. If he really encountered one, he would likely be dead eighty percent of the time anyway, so why tangle over it? Therefore, Suo Huan didn't care about this side effect.
As for the Dao path... that was somewhat important.
But Suo Huan had confidence in Lu Yang. If his Dao path were truly cut off, he believed Lu Yang wouldn't ignore him. At worst, he would cultivate again; he could always walk the Great Dao again.
Furthermore—
With my Dao comprehension, wanting to reach the Middle Stage of Golden Core would probably be difficult even exhausting a lifetime. The help I can give Fellow Daoist Lu is also a bit too small.
In the final analysis, he wasn't tanky enough.
Previously in [Nourishing Life Master], when Lu Yang faced the siege of [Sky-Shrouding] and the other two, he first used the [Future Life Aspect] to tank, then used his own Dharma Body to tank.
Only at the very end did he let Suo Huan bear the damage.
Why?
Wasn't it because he was worried Suo Huan would die suddenly from taking too much damage? In fact, Lu Yang's worry hit the mark; he really almost died suddenly because of it.
However, if he could obtain the Middle Stage of Golden Core and the characteristic of an Unfallen Grotto-Heaven, even if his true Dao comprehension and combat power couldn't catch up, at least he could rely on the characteristic of being undying and imperishable to greatly increase his damage-bearing capacity. In this way, with his support, Lu Yang's combat power would inevitably have a qualitative leap.
Therefore, Suo Huan made a decision on the spot.
The harvest was bountiful, the side effects acceptable, and he could provide great help to Lu Yang. What was there to hesitate about? He couldn't ask for more!
"This matter... I'll trouble the Patriarch."
Seeing Suo Huan's firm attitude, Lu Yang also nodded. He then cupped his hands towards [Patriarch Nether Whisper]: "If there is anything I can help with, Patriarch, just ask."
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] was stunned upon hearing this, then thought seriously for a moment.
"Hmm... you can stand guard for me."
Lu Yang: "..."
A moment later, Lu Yang sat in the corner of the thatched cottage with a dark face, while [Patriarch Nether Whisper] officially began to act, starting to perform the secret technique for Suo Huan.
"Pfft..."
Uncontrollable laughter came from beside him, instantly making Lu Yang glare angrily. It turned out to be [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], who was hugging a sword and squatting beside him as well.
"Master, you can't be like this," Lu Yang complained.
"What Master?"
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] tilted his head. "Speaking of which, I was curious before. Fellow Daoist sometimes calls me Master; I really can't bear that title."
Lu Yang pursed his lips upon hearing this. Only then did he remember that the [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] before him wasn't the Master from his life before the last—the one who led him into the Sword Pavilion, who slashed at the united will of the masses with a Foundation Establishment body and sword intent, and finally even forced the World Honored One to descend personally.
His relationship with this one was more like like-minded Fellow Daoists.
This made him feel somewhat melancholy.
Sitting on [The Book of a Hundred Lifetimes], he should have been able to redeem all regrets. However, he felt that his experience in every life was unique.
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] was like this.
Suo Huan was also like this. No matter how much he called them Fellow Daoists, the other party wasn't the person who shared his misery and relied on him for survival back then.
This was also why he valued [Patriarch Nether Whisper] so much.
Because strictly speaking, only [Patriarch Nether Whisper] joined him before he rose to prominence, experienced the most lifetimes with him, and was the most familiar with him.
But soon, Lu Yang pulled himself together.
Immediately after, he looked at [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] without hiding anything, even saying directly, "That was a matter of my previous life; Fellow Daoist wouldn't know..."
He narrated the experiences of that life.
The life where [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] was his Master. He didn't hide anything, even speaking with a tint of nostalgia. [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] also listened seriously.
After a long time, his voice fell.
"...Interesting."
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] stroked his chin and suddenly smiled. "Sounds like something I would do. I didn't expect Fellow Daoist and I to have had such a shared experience."
After speaking, he patted Lu Yang's shoulder: "It must have been hard on you."
"..."
Looking at the hand on his shoulder, Lu Yang was stunned again. But he quickly recovered and smiled: "This is nothing. The hard part is still far ahead."
He was the man who would become a Nascent Soul Dao Lord.
The true hardship was still ahead!
Thinking of this, Lu Yang patted his sleeves and stood up, too lazy to change his address anymore. He smiled: "On the contrary, it's Master... I've made you sad recently."
At these words, [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] was stunned.
Lu Yang said helplessly, "Does Master think I can't tell? Ever since losing the Netherworld that day when plotting against [Sky-Shrouding], you have been completely silent."
Plotting against [Sky-Shrouding] was the culmination of Lu Yang's ten lifetimes of cultivation.
For this, he changed a lot, finally causing [Sky-Shrouding] to fall from the divine altar... But to achieve this goal, there was one thing he couldn't change no matter what.
Chong Guang seeking the Golden Core.
"The mortals of the entire [Qing Nation] being blood-sacrificed... I couldn't change this point. Not that I couldn't, but I was unwilling... I've disappointed Master."
Lu Yang bowed solemnly.
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] fell silent. Only after a long time did he shake his "It will always come again... I'm not a old fashioned person. Don't take it to heart."
"After all..."
Speaking of this, [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] suddenly looked up at Lu Yang. Clearly a sword cultivator, at this moment he appeared somewhat weak: "This is just how the world is."
He wasn't opposed to killing, only opposed to involving mortals. Cultivators risking their lives against each other for the Dao path was reasonable in his eyes. However, mortals were innocent... So Lu Yang's guess wasn't wrong. The matter of [Qing Nation] that day was indeed a knot in his heart.
But the world was like this; what could be done?
Because of this philosophy, he was already an outlier in the Sword Pavilion. Could it be that he would distance himself from Lu Yang now because of this? So he could only smile bitterly in helplessness.
However, in the next second, Lu Yang spoke:
"It is now."
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] was stunned upon hearing this, only to see Lu Yang looking at him with a firm face: "But it won't always be this way. Master, you should know—Heaven never seals all paths!"
Chapter 757: Driven Mad with Anger
Time flew; in the blink of an eye, two and a half years had passed.
Overseas, at the line of sky.
Above the boundless ocean stood a lonely island. On a remote cliff of this island, amidst layers of heavy haze, a hazy figure sat cross-legged.
"Netherworld..."
Sky-Shrouding sat on the cliff like this, gazing far towards the direction of the [Netherworld] through the line of sky. A deep longing and anger were revealed in the depths of his eyes.
He wanted to curse someone, but didn't know who to curse.
Again, that sentence: he didn't know that bastard's name!
For the past two and a half years, he had been plucking the great web of karma and scouring the traces of heaven and earth at all times, yet the other party seemed to have evaporated from the world, disappearing without a trace.
If not for the fact that [Overturned Lamp Flame] remained empty without the slightest sign of recovery, he would have even suspected his plan had actually succeeded. But every time after such reverie, he had to face reality again: after all this scheming, his situation hadn't improved at all.
It was even worse.
Sword Pavilion... that old fellow Gangxing has been in seclusion all this time. He probably gained something. Most likely, he imprinted one of the five Supreme Dao Fruit books.
Saint Sect... forget it.
The Pure Land—I'm lucky. The World-Honored One doesn't seem to intend to trouble me. This actually surprises me. It seems related to my past self...
Thinking of this, Sky-Shrouding frowned slightly.
His memory was actually incomplete.
This was normal, because he knew too much. Some forbidden knowledge was too important, to the point that he had sealed it away himself using the [Knowledge-Perception Barrier].
This seal was in his sea of consciousness. Intuition told him that only when he sought to become a Dao Lord could he undo the seal. If he undid it before then, it would inevitably bring a catastrophic disaster. Even if he were in the Netherworld, he might meet a violent end. So he had never dared to touch memories in this aspect.
However, although he didn't touch them, it didn't mean he had no clues.
As expected, this segment of memory I sealed myself should be related to the Pure Land and the World Honored One. Otherwise, it's impossible to explain why the World Honored One is so lenient towards me.
Whether it was [Bodhisattva Coiled Dragon Shadow] or others.
This was a good thing, but also a bad thing.
The good thing was that the Dao Lord who could most easily interfere with the Present World wouldn't affect him too much. The bad thing was that he might fall into a trap if he wasn't careful.
If one day he also went "hey", that would be truly despairing.
Thinking of this, Sky-Shrouding glanced at Jiangnan again, the gloom in his eyes growing heavier.
[Perfected Lord Gangxing Budao]... although he suffered a big loss this time, he ultimately imprinted a Supreme Dao Fruit book and had hope of continuing his Dao path.
Damn it, that good for nothing actually managed to rise up!
Even someone with [Perfected Lord Gangxing Budao]'s level of Dao comprehension had hope of recovering and returning to being a Great Perfected Lord, while he, with his heaven-gifted talent, could only sit idly here.
He wasn't conviced!
Thinking and thinking again, Sky-Shrouding thought of that nameless bastard again. By now, he was certain the other party wasn't some reincarnation of a Dao Lord.
Eighty percent chance he obtained the inheritance of that Dao Lord of the Dharma Body Dao.
Thinking of this, Sky-Shrouding felt dizzy with anger again.
Clearly just a troublesome little bug, not some formidable figure. Yet just like a real bug, squirming and wriggling, he actually won!
Who could accept losing like this?
However, cruel reality lay before him. Even if Sky-Shrouding had ten thousand unwillingness in his heart, he could only put it aside for now and rethink his way out.
Reviving [Overturned Lamp Flame] to return to being a Great Perfected Lord as fast as possible is hopeless.
The opportunity in [Nourishing Life Master] came only once. Gathering such a lineup again was basically impossible, and relying on himself alone couldn't kill Lu Yang.
I can only walk the path of Void Attainment.
With this thought, the void behind Sky-Shrouding instantly cracked. The [Sea of Bitterness] opened wide, indistinctly manifesting an incredibly broad high platform.
This was a strange thing.
Above the [Sea of Bitterness], apart from Dao Fruits and Great Daos, there was nothing else. A so-called high platform simply wasn't something that should appear here.
However, looking closely, one would discover the truth of this high platform: it was also a Great Dao. But unlike [Immortal Venerable Taiyin]'s [Money] Great Dao and [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon]'s [Sword Dao] of the past, this Great Dao did not point towards the unseen [Paramita] above the [Sea of Bitterness].
Instead, it pointed below the [Sea of Bitterness]!
The entire Great Dao started from the surface of the [Sea of Bitterness], with the majority penetrating deep into the seabed. Only a small section manifested above the surface, looking like a high platform.
It was upside down!
Back then, I planned to use the [Reversal of Chen Earth] to bury this Great Dao inside, borrowing the intent for cultivation, which also happened to fit the special stature of the Netherworld.
Now, it's useless.
Sky-Shrouding sighed deeply. Was this Great Dao strong? Of course it was strong! It could even be said bluntly that the stature of this Great Dao was also at the level of a Great Perfected Lord!
But the problem was, he couldn't use it.
Because the main body of the Great Dao was located below the [Sea of Bitterness]. Walking further was futile.
The only part that could truly empower him was that small section of the high platform exposed above the surface. Everything else was covered and buried by the endless water of the [Sea of Bitterness]!
This was the wrong route; the harder he worked, the more wrong it became.
Of course, this predicament only existed in the [Sea of Bitterness]. If in the Netherworld, this Great Dao not only wouldn't be restricted but could unleash its full power.
In other words, Sky-Shrouding's true peak state in this life was actually in the Netherworld. Because there, he was not only a Grotto-Heaven Method Great Perfected Lord with perfect Five Elements, but also a Great Perfected Lord with a Void Attainment Dao Fruit. With double stature enhancement, even if a Dao Lord descended to the mortal world, he would dare to bare his teeth to their face!
Alas, a tiger down on the plains is bullied by dogs...
Thinking of this, Sky-Shrouding felt disheartened. Of course, at this point, he could still pull the Void Attainment Great Dao out of the [Sea of Bitterness].
In that way, he could immediately recover the stature of a Great Perfected Lord.
However, doing so would mean completely giving up on the Netherworld. What was the point? Just one more Great Perfected Lord? How could he stop there!
Just then.
BOOM!
Accompanied by a heaven-shaking, earth-moving loud noise, the entire dark voi and sea of light and billions of World Realms sensed it again. Countless living beings looked up at the sky one after another.
Immediately after came a burst of arrogant laughter:
"Hahahahaha!"
Amidst the laughter, a majestic human figure slowly emerged. It was impressively the Dharma Body Dao. For a moment, who knows how many Perfected Lords within the Immortal Nexus held their breath.
Again!?
In the next second, the majestic figure moved. He raised his fist high, and then, under the horrified gazes of countless people, slowly raised his midle finger.
"Sky-Shrouding, fuck your mother!"
"I'll wait for you in [The Mortal World] for three days. If you come, you definitely won't have a good time. I must pull down that fog of yours and beat your face until it's swollen!"
Soon, the light and shadow dissipated.
On the other side, Sky-Shrouding sighed. Although provoked by Lu Yang broadcasting across the entire light sea like this, he was very calm, without the slightest anger.
Bang!
Casually smashing the lonely island beneath him, Sky-Shrouding stood up calmly. Correct, with a Dao Heart as firm as his, how could he get angry because of a junior?
"Want to settle grudges with me?"
Sky-Shrouding sneered. "It seems he has gained something, made progress in the Dharma Body Dao, and also healed his injuries, returning to his peak. So he doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth, thinking he can really fight me."
Arrogant junior!
Actually thinking he can fight me to a draw? Before, it was because I wasn't sure I could kill you, so I deliberately held back, planning to kill you at the critical moment.
Perfect. Since that junior is so arrogant, I'll beat him at his own game... Although I can't kill him, if I go all out and add some methods, temporarily suppressing and sealing him should still be possible. During the seal, I might find a method to kill him completely.
With this thought, Sky-Shrouding pulled himself together.
Immediately after, he began preparing nonstop—setting up formations, refining secret treasures. Only after making complete preparations did he step into [The Mortal World].
But, Lu Yang didn't come..
Sky-Shrouding was driven mad with anger.
Chapter 758: Reading Books
Lu Yang, of course, wouldn't be stupid enough to risk his life fighting [Sky-Shrouding].
After all, it was completely meaningless. So what if he won? So what if he lost? The current [Sky-Shrouding] could no longer make him feel excitement and joy.
[Sea of Bitterness].
Endless conceptual water surged. Lu Yang stood on the Dharma Body Dao floating above the water surface, frantically extracting the mighty power within. His originally weak aura began to rise again.
Before long, as blood light emerged and gathered, skin, flesh, bones, and organs generated one by one. A flawless body appeared once more. Lu Yang immediately circulated his [Dao Body] to merge with it, allowing him to return to his former peak state, perhaps even stronger!
Rumble!
Accompanied by a heaven-shaking, earth-moving loud noise, the [Past Life Aspect] and [Future Life Aspect] walked out from behind Lu Yang one after another, beginning to expand towards the surroundings again.
With each step of expansion, the roar of the Dharma Body Dao became louder.
In this process, his Dharma Body was constantly strengthening. In the areas he walked past, the concept of the Dharma Body Dao was also painted with his color.
This is also one of the gains from this battle!
Lu Yang gained enlightenment in his heart. Why did his occupied area inexplicably increase after recovering from injuries, even though he clearly hadn't deliberately tried to comprehend the Dharma Body Dao?
The reason was simple: The Dharma Body Dao is a Dao that requires combat! Because my Dharma Body was constantly damaged in the successive battles before, and finally even collapsed directly, it made significant progress after recovery. Just like forging steel, only through thousands of hammerings and temperings can the strongest steel be created!
Of course, this didn't mean self-mutilation could improve it.
The key lies in external force. Forging steel requires a heavy hammer, quenching, and grinding. Self-mutilation won't work; only through combat can one attain refinement.
After a long time, the changes in the Dharma Body Dao gradually stopped.
Done...!
Lu Yang raised his head, looking at the broad area he had walked out. It impressively occupied two-tenths of the entire Dharma Body Dao, making him quite satisfied.
And with the increase in occupied area, the feedback given to him by the Dharma Body Dao also climbed a notch. The most direct manifestation was that the [Future Life Aspect] could bear more injuries, the power of the [Tribulation Evil Profound Light] was stronger, and even the [Past Life Aspect] on the other side faintly showed new changes.
Lu Yang sensed it in his heart, then revealed a look of pleasant surprise.
The [Past Life Aspect] has a vacancy!
Previously, the [Past Life Aspect] had devour the profound wonder and concept of [Overturned Lamp Flame]. It was actually approaching saturation and couldn't devour another Dao Fruit.
But now it was different.
He could clearly sense that the current [Overturned Lamp Flame] could no longer satisfy the [Past Life Aspect]. It needed something bigger to enter.
I can eat another Dao Fruit.
Lu Yang's mind moved slightly, thinking of [Sword Edge Gold] and [City Rampart Earth] where his Life Form Bodies were laid out. But after a moment, he shook his head.
[Perfected One Subduing-Spirits] can't seek the Golden Core for now. Yuan Tu hasn't reached Foundation Establishment Perfection yet. Moreover, these two Supreme Dao Fruits are too conspicuous; Dao Lords are watching them.
Since that's the case... only the Water Element remains.
Thinking of this, Lu Yang sneered.
The old loach's [Vast Ocean Water]... I can't do anything about it for now. But I can take revenge on his son first and find a way to snatch [Heavenly River Water]!
With this thought, a plan instantly formed in his heart: The old loach reclaimed the Supreme Position of [Vast Ocean Water]. Is it possible for me to make it fall back again? Ideally, swap it for another Water Element Dao Fruit, which I will then devour. Rounding up, this counts as me eating a Water Element Supreme Dao Fruit.
The plan was perfect.
However, for the vast majority of cultivators, this was impossible to achieve because no one knew the changes of Water Element Dao Fruits better than the Old Dragon Lord.
Especially [Vast Ocean Water].
This Dao Fruit had always been under the Old Dragon Lord's control, never passing through outsiders' hands. Naturally, there was no way to know the secret of the Supreme Position change within.
But... I am different!
Lu Yang sensed the five Supreme Dao Fruit books imprinted in his Dao Heart and sneered inwardly. The secrets of [Vast Ocean Water] could no longer be hidden from him!
Thinking of this, he immediately escaped from the [Sea of Bitterness].
Immediately after, without any pause, he entered the [Dark Void], sensed the coordinates, and after a dizzying spin, returned to [Nourishing Life Master].
And the moment he stepped into [Nourishing Life Master], Lu Yang immediately sensed the five Supreme Dao Fruit books in his mind seemingly come alive all at once. The silent Dao resonance revived rapidly, like obedient little lambs, allowing him to manipulate them and check the contents at will.
Only one problem was rather awkward.
I can't understand...
The corner of Lu Yang's eye twitched slightly. Although it wasn't completely incomprehensible, the Supreme Dao Fruit books were still too obscure for someone of average aptitude like him.
But soon he adjusted his mindset.
After all, I don't lack time. Isn't it just spending time to ponder? Then I'll ponder slowly. Using a hundred years, a thousand years, I'll figure it out eventually.
Lu Yang didn't call [Patriarch Nether Whisper] out to explain it to him. This was his Dao. Listening to others' explanations and guidance would ultimately leave a layer of separation. Only by learning and comprehending it himself would the knowledge finally mastered truly be his. Otherwise, a slight error would affect the foundation of his Dao path.
Besides, [Patriarch Nether Whisper] was also very busy right now.
Although two and a half years had passed, Suo Huan's healing hadn't finished yet. So the only one truly free at the moment was actually [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon].
But [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] was too special.
Although he walked the path of Void Attainment [Sword Dao], he had been washed by [The Book of a Hundred Lifetimes]. There were no book records in [Nourishing Life Master], so it was of little use to him.
Restraining his mind, Lu Yang simply found a place to sit down.
He wasn't worried about [Sky-Shrouding] finding him. After all, relying on [Sky-Shrouding] alone couldn't kill him. Even if he couldn't win, he could just run away at worst.
Start learning from the simple ones first.
Since he wanted to comprehend, naturally he should choose the easiest one. And for Lu Yang, the easiest to understand was naturally [Heavenly Fire], which he had held in his previous life.
Soon, the book opened.
Heavenly Fire warms mountains and seas, its radiance illuminates the universe. When paired with Water, Ravine Water is suitable. Metal shines with the sun and moon. Forest Wood is regarded as Noble. Earth is seen with sand, borrowing the gentle wind.
Lu Yang's mind gradually immersed in it.
In the Dao Fruit book of [Heavenly Fire], he saw an incredibly peculiar and vast new world: the compatibility between different Dao Fruits!
[Heavenly Fire], Metal can match Sword Edge and Ornamental, other metals bring calamity. Just this piece of information is invaluable. Didn't [Perfected Lord Gangxing Budao] fall on this back then? Not thoroughly understanding the mutual generation and compatibility between Dao Fruits, he ended up crippling himself.
Unconsciously, time flew.
Lu Yang was completely immersed in the deduction of [Heavenly Fire]. Gradually, his eyes became bright, and a ratio emerged in his heart:
[Heavenly Fire], [Wellspring Water], [Pomegranate Wood].
Although only three elements, they are all Dao Fruits I have experienced. Moreover, they happen to be compatible, with no conflict between them. It couldn't be more suitable for me!
But soon, his thoughts turned again:
Although I already have [Overturned Lamp Flame] now, even considering from this direction, [Pomegranate Wood] and [Wellspring Water] are also compatible!
Even better, I use the Dharma Body Dao to devourDao Fruits. Originally, [Wellspring Water] was under Fellow Daoist Suo Huan's control, so I couldn't forcibly seize it. But now Fellow Daoist Suo Huan plans to extract the power of [Wellspring Water] and move into the World Realm Seed. This is the perfect time for me to take [Wellspring Water]!
With this thought, Lu Yang's heart pounded.
Regarding using the Dharma Body Dao to devour Dao Fruits, he had always had a hypothesis: Grotto-Heaven Method Perfected Lords generally advance to Great Perfected Lord by gathering three elemental Dao Fruits.
What about the Ancient Method Golden Core?
If I use the Dharma Body Dao to devour three elemental Dao Fruits, can I also achieve an effect similar to the Grotto-Heaven Method and advance to Great Perfected Lord via the Dharma Body Dao?
This was not mentioned in the [Precious Life Perfect Form Scripture], but he held expectations for it.
Just then, a strange fluctuation suddenly appeared in [Nourishing Life Master], causing Lu Yang to snap back to reality instantly, looking towards the direction of the fluctuation.
Who is it? [Sky-Shrouding]?
Lu Yang was wary in his heart. However, in the next second, the figure appearing in [Nourishing Life Master] stunned him... simply because he had almost forgotten about the other party.
Mu Changsheng?
Chapter 759: Transaction
"Don't kill me!"
The moment Mu Changsheng entered [Nourishing Life Master], he roared loudly. At the same time, [Wú Yǒu Heaven] operated at full capacity, making his figure increasingly hazy and illusory.
"..."
Seeing this, Lu Yang opened his mouth and frowned in dissatisfaction. "What kind of person does Fellow Daoist take me for... A demon who kills at the slightest disagreement?"
After speaking, he withdrew the [Great Might Kui-Gang Righteous Qi] already pinched at his fingertip.
Mu Changsheng: "..."
You still say you're not a demon...?
Although he thought so, he dared not say it to Lu Yang's face. He could only criticize inwardly while his face brimmed with a smile as he bowed respectfully:
"What Fellow Daoist says is true; it was I who was impetuous."
"Fellow Daoist's figure fighting three enemies alone, bathed in blood back then... remains fresh in my memory. I often marvel at it in secret. Please do not blame me for my slight loss of composure."
Although two and a half years had passed, every time Mu Changsheng recalled that battle, he still felt heartfelt terror. Lu Yang's escape from death made him revere Lu Yang as a heavenly being. To put it bluntly, the desperate situation Lu Yang experienced back then was much more exaggerated than his own back in the day.
After all, back then, everyone was still engaging in a battle of wits.
Although the Perfected Lords schemed against each other, they didn't personally enter the fray, allowing him to find an opportunity to cultivate steadily to the Perfection of Foundation Establishment.
But what about Lu Yang?
[Sky-Shrouding] really went for the kill. Just the aftershocks made Mu Changsheng tremble with fear. It was only because [Wú Yǒu Heaven] excelled at hiding; otherwise, he would have died long ago.
However, precisely because of this, he sniffed out an opportunity.
The Old Dragon Lord is still alive! The situation that day was too intense, and I didn't have time to detonate his injury. Now it can be used as my bargaining chip.
Did Lu Yang not want revenge on the Old Dragon Lord?
Impossible! Saint Sect Perfected Lords always sought revenge for the smallest grievance; how could he not want it? It was just that the Old Dragon Lord was too strong, which made his bargaining chip useful!
Thinking of this, Mu Changsheng said immediately, "Fellow Daoist, in these years, the Old Dragon Lord has convened the Four Seas Sect Assembly several times. Other Demon Race Great Sages were repeatedly called by him to discuss Grotto-Heaven affiliation. Compared to a few years ago, the attitudes of Great Sage Ming Zhu and Great Sage Xuan Yuan have softened somewhat."
"...What?"
At these words, Lu Yang instantly narrowed his eyes. If the Old Dragon Lord persuaded the other Great Sages of the Four Seas Sect, wouldn't he become a Late Stage Great Perfected Lord?
How could I take revenge on him then?
Seeing Lu Yang's expression, Mu Changsheng was invigorated, knowing these words had an effect. However, he didn't rush to speak, waiting patiently instead.
Soon, Lu Yang came back to his senses and took a deep look at Mu Changsheng.
He naturally understood the other party's thoughts.
"Regarding this matter, what can Fellow Daoist do? And what do you want?"
Straight to the point, without dragging things out.
Mu Changsheng also said simply, "I can make the Old Dragon Lord instantly suffer a severe injury. As for what I want... I want to see Fellow Daoist's Void Attainment Dao Fruit!"
At these words, Lu Yang instantly became suspicious. True, he had a Void Attainment Dao Fruit—the Sword Dao—but it had long been washed clean by [The Book of a Hundred Lifetimes].
How did Mu Changsheng know?
Although he thought so, his expression remained unchanged on the surface. Instead, he chuckled lightly:
"Void Attainment Dao Fruit?"
Seeing this, Mu Changsheng hurriedly said, "Is it not a Void Attainment Dao Fruit? Otherwise, how could Fellow Daoist have escaped from [Sky-Shrouding]'s certain-kill formation?"
Oh, a misunderstanding...
Lu Yang thought to himself: The Dao Body of [The Book of a Hundred Lifetimes] has no karma or cause, and I prepared extensively; no one could calculate it. How could Mu Changsheng know the truth? Thinking about it, guessing it was a Void Attainment Dao Fruit is reasonable. Looking at his expression, he probably isn't too sure inside either.
While sorting out his thoughts, Lu Yang nodded slightly:
"Fellow Daoist has keen senses."
There really is one!?
Instantly, Mu Changsheng, who was worried he guessed wrong and felt somewhat uneasy, was overjoyed. He felt as if he had seen the light at the end of the tunnel.
But soon he suppressed his joy and said carefully, "It's not that I don't believe Fellow Daoist... It's just that I come from a loose cultivator background, incomparable to Fellow Daoist's nobility, and am ignorant and ill-informed... Could you let me take a look at Fellow Daoist's Void Attainment Dao Fruit, just to broaden my horizons?"
Lu Yang laughed instantly upon hearing this:
"Why not?"
In the next second, the [Righteous Dao Banner] appeared. [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] cooperatively opened the [Sea of Bitterness], allowing Mu Changsheng to see the magnificent Sword Dao rooted in the [Sea of Bitterness].
Only a Void Attainment Dao Fruit could open a path in the Sea of Bitterness. Mu Changsheng naturally knew this, and upon seeing it, he was immediately certain:
It is indeed Void Attainment!
In the next second, he hesitated no longer. With bright eyes, he looked directly at Lu Yang: "If Fellow Daoist intends to deal with the Old Dragon Lord, I am willing to exert myself to the death!"
Immediately after, he revealed everything he had done while healing the Old Dragon Lord previously, saying sincerely, "My [Wú Yǒu Heaven] profound wonder is called the Transformation of Truth and Falsehood. Although it has the ability to convert truth and falsehood, because my Dao comprehension is flawed, the conversion result actually has a flaw."
This was originally a secret of Mu Changsheng's Dao path.
However, to gain Lu Yang's trust, he said it directly. To make Lu Yang understand more thoroughly, he even demonstrated it on the spot:
"Things changed from false to true become weaker over time."
"Things changed from true to false become stronger over time."
"In other words, the Old Dragon Lord's injury has likely intensified by now. Once I withdraw the profound wonder, the minor injury will instantly transform into a fatal one!"
After Mu Changsheng finished explaining, Lu Yang was stunned.
What a huge pit!
Did the Old Dragon Lord guard against this? Probably not, because Mu Changsheng is an Unorthodox Perfected Lord... What does an Unorthodox Perfected Lord have to guard against?
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance at Mu Changsheng.
Although this didn't happen to me, it serves as a warning not to underestimate anyone in the world. Even if they are just Unorthodox, one must guard against them when necessary!
Thinking of this, Lu Yang revealed an enthusiastic smile on his face:
"Good, good!"
"Fellow Daoist is willing to forsake darkness for light; this is great kindness... However, I still have some matters to handle. How about I contact Fellow Daoist after I finish?"
What else could he say?
Mu Changsheng didn't hesitate, smiling apologetically: "As it should be!"
Thinking back to those years, when he was still at Foundation Establishment, full of pride and unwilling to be so obsequious... But ever since becoming a Perfected Lord, he was getting better at grasping the nuances.
Immediately after, he took out a strand of divine sense and handed it to Lu Yang to facilitate contact.
Lu Yang accepted the divine sense, then suddenly changed the subject: "By the way... Fellow Daoist's book of [Wú Yǒu Heaven], could you lend it to me for a look?"
Mu Changsheng was stunned upon hearing this.
Wanting to see his Dao Fruit book?
This was different, because his [Wú Yǒu Heaven] was cultivated using a World Realm Seed, so the corresponding book could be modified at will!
What if Lu Yang took his book and changed it randomly, causing his Dao Fruit to collapse?
But Lu Yang had a reason: "Regarding the Transformation of Truth and Falsehood of [Wú Yǒu Heaven], I still need to read the book to confirm that what Fellow Daoist said is correct."
"Besides, with Fellow Daoist's leverage in my hands, I'll also be more at ease."
Speaking of this, Lu Yang didn't forget to feign sincerity: "Of course, if Fellow Daoist doesn't want to see the Void Attainment Dao Fruit... I won't force you on this matter."
Mu Changsheng: "..."
How could he not want to see the Void Attainment Dao Fruit! he wanted it too much—truly dreaming of it. Only by understanding the mysteries of Void Attainment could he clear [Nourishing Life Master].
This concerned his Dao path, how could he hesitate?
Moreover, with the other party's cultivation, he felt Lu Yang shouldn't covet his [Wú Yǒu Heaven]. After all, even if you argued until the sky fell, this was still just an unorthodox.
Thinking of this, Mu Changsheng gritted his teeth and took out a thin book.
"Then I'll lend it to Fellow Daoist temporarily!"
Seeing this, Lu Yang raised an eyebrow, and a smile appeared in his eyes.
What he said before were all excuses. Lu Yang demanding the Dao Fruit book of [Wú Yǒu Heaven] wasn't for himself at all, but for [Patriarch Nether Whisper].
[Wú Yǒu Heaven]... ultimately shares the same origin as the Patriarch's[Wú Yōu Heaven].Taking it for the Patriarch to study should allow him to gain some enlightenment.
Back then, to seek [Heavenly Fire], he had [Patriarch Nether Whisper] attain [Wú Yōu Heaven]. As a result, he was now deeply trapped in the unorthodox predicament, his cultivation unable to advance even an inch. Although Lü Yang didn't speak of it, this had always weighed on his heart. That's why he proactively asked this time, hoping it might help Ancestor break through his predicament.
Chapter 760: Sealing Fate
Mu Changsheng quietly departed.
Lu Yang also did not stay long in [Nourishing Life Master]. He drifted away, not wasting time attempting to forcibly imprint the contents of the five Supreme Dao Fruit books.
It wasn't that he couldn't do it.
Mainly, once he did so, imprinting the Supreme Dao Fruit books in his sea of consciousness would inevitably make the circulation of his divine sense difficult, and his thoughts would no longer be agile.
In such a state, if he were to fight with others, he would suffer a great loss.
At this moment, as he prepared to trouble the Old Dragon Lord and awaited an opportunity to devour [Wellspring Water], Lu Yang felt there was absolutely no need to deliberately burden himself.
Jiangbei, inside Hong Yun's dense forest.
Lu Yang returned to the thatched cottage where he had hidden for two and a half years. During this period, he even sensed the location of [The Mortal World], resulting in a sudden warning arising in his mind.
[The Mortal World] is very dangerous right now.
Good heavens, did [Sky-Shrouding] really believe my nonsense and run to [The Mortal World] to find me? It seems he was truly confused by anger...
Should I go broadcast again in two days and mock him to his face?
Turning these thoughts in his mind, Lu Yang walked into the thatched cottage. At a glance, he saw the fluttering [Righteous Dao Banner] and the altar shrouded in rolling black qi.
In the center of the altar was impressively [Patriarch Nether Whisper], wearing an unprecedentedly grave expression. He held the finger-sized World Realm Seed overflowing with flowing light and color in both hands. His ten fingers moved constantly, plucking the void. Countless Great Dao talismans manifested at his fingertips, arranging and combining, transforming into vivid concept one after another.
On the other side was Suo Huan.
Two and a half years had passed, and Suo Huan's body was even more dilapidated. Everything below the neck had been amputated, leaving only half a skull barely maintaining an intact appearance.
"..."
Seeing this scene, Lu Yang lightened his footsteps, looking carefully at [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] beside him: "Master, what's the situation?"
"Don't worry."
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] glanced at Lu Yang, not correcting the address of 'Master', and whispered, "It's about to succeed. Fellow Daoist Nether Whisper is truly a heaven-gifted talent!"
"Then can the Patriarch communicate now?" Lu Yang asked nervously.
"Yes."
Receiving [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon]'s approval, only then did Lu Yang breathe a sigh of relief, transmitting his voice: "Patriarch, I have new gains here that need your consideration."
After speaking, Lu Yang directly informed him about the [Wú Yǒu Heaven] Dao Fruit book. Then he proposed his idea of taking this opportunity to devour [Wellspring Water]. Subsequently, he looked expectantly at [Patriarch Nether Whisper]. However, [Patriarch Nether Whisper] didn't answer immediately, continuing to maintain the work in his hands.
It wasn't until half an hour later that he exhaled a deep breath of turbid air.
"...I know."
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] first glanced at Lu Yang, then smiled: "You are thoughtful. The Dao Fruit book of [Wú Yǒu Heaven] is indeed useful to me."
"As for devouring [Wellspring Water]... if this [Borrowing Dharma to Restore the Core] succeeds, there is indeed an opportunity to exploit. Your problem lies in the [Life Form Body]."
He was very clear about Lu Yang's concerns.
Previously, devouring Dao Fruits was all achieved relying on [Life Form Bodies]. However, this time, Lu Yang clearly couldn't refine Suo Huan into a [Life Form Body].
But cultivating a [Life Form Body] from scratch?
Too troublesome.
Of course, it wasn't that there were no backup candidates. For example, Xiang Ye, the Foundation Establishment Perfection Great Perfected One of the Saint Sect who cultivated [Wellspring Water], was a suitable candidate.
"But doing so will inevitably offend the Saint Sect."
"You have already offended [Sky-Shrouding]. If you offending the Saint Sect again, offending Perfected Lord Feixue and [Perfected Lord Hanguang Futian]... it would be a bit too much like making enemies of the whole world."
Lu Yang nodded hurriedly upon hearing this.
He got it all right. As expected of you, Patriarch; you truly are the roundworm in my belly. Hurry up and use your invincible world-shocking wisdom to help me think of a way!
Looking at Lu Yang's expectant eyes, [Patriarch Nether Whisper] instantly revealed a helpless expression, not knowing whether to laugh or cry: "I say... you aren't thinking of letting me help you modify the [Precious Life Perfect Form Scripture] and create a method on the spot to devour Dao Fruits without a [Life Form Body], are you?"
Lu Yang was stunned. Eh? You can't do it?
"Of course not!"
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] shook his head. "The [Precious Life Perfect Form Scripture] is the most profound method I have ever seen in my life. Its wonder is extraordinary; how can it be modified just like that?"
"Unless you bring a few more books of the same level for me to have a reference object, perhaps I could try."
Hearing this, Lu Yang instantly revealed a look of disappointment:
"Is there really no way?"
"..."
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] looked at Lu Yang, who hung his head looking lost. His voice paused, then he continued, "It's not completely hopeless."
Lu Yang raised his head instantly.
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] continued, "Generally speaking, if you refine Fellow Daoist Suo Huan into a [Life Form Body] and devour the Dao Fruit this way, Fellow Daoist Suo Huan will undoubtedly die."
"However, there are always exceptions."
"The concept of the World Realm Seed has already complete. If you use Fellow Daoist Suo Huan to devour the Dao Fruit right now, he will die, and his Grotto-Heaven will collapse because of it."
"Then I will use the World Realm Seed to receive Fellow Daoist Suo Huan's collapsing Grotto-Heaven, seal and store it, helping him falsely hold the Middle Stage of Golden Core and revive. In this way, not only does he not need to die, but he can also recover to his peak in one stroke. At the same time, you can successfully devour [Wellspring Water] without making enemies for this."
"This..."
Lu Yang frowned slightly upon hearing this. "But to devour a Dao Fruit through a [Life Form Body], the consciousness within the [Life Form Body] must be completely erased."
If he used Suo Huan to devour [Wellspring Water], he would have to erase Suo Huan's consciousness afterwards.
Just like when he slew Hong Yun.
This wasn't a problem that could be solved by reincarnation and resurrection.
"Are you stupid?"
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] chuckled lightly. "This restriction exists because the [Life Form Body] is incompatible with your main body. If the original consciousness exists, rejection will occur."
"But Fellow Daoist Suo Huan is different from Hong Yun."
"...Ah!"
Only then did Lu Yang suddenly realize: Right, Suo Huan was different from Hong Yun. He was a Banner Spirit! He had long been played by Lu Yang until he was Lu Yang's color inside and out!
Under such circumstances, how could there be rejection?
As expected of my World-Shocking Wisdom!
Soon, Lu Yang began to operate on Suo Huan. One by one, dao incantation were beaten by him into Suo Huan's dilapidated Dharma Body, of which only a skull remained.
"Ugh!"
Suo Huan groaned. He was too weak right now. Even just the process of being converted into a [Life Form Body] was a burden to him.
Seeing this, Lu Yang hurriedly comforted him:
"Fellow Daoist Suo Huan, my spiritual power is a bit strong; bear with it a little longer..."
A moment later, Lu Yang let out a long breath. Suo Huan, who had been tense all along, finally relaxed. His soul fluctuated, seemingly still immersed in the aftereffects.
Seeing this scene, [Patriarch Nether Whisper] said in a deep voice:
"Finished? If finished, let's begin."
"After Fellow Daoist Suo Huan's Grotto-Heaven collapses, we must use the World Realm Seed to receive and seal it before it disintegrates. But this timing is hard for me to grasp."
"Fellow Daoist Vanquishing-Demon, this relies on you."
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] nodded upon hearing this. "Leave it to me."
"Good!"
[Patriarch Nether Whisper] nodded. "This step is crucial; the possibility of failure cannot be ruled out... And once it fails, the key lies with you, Lu Yang."
"You must devour [Wellspring Water] at the fastest speed. Once it fails and Fellow Daoist Suo Huan is about to perish, you use the profound wonder of [Wellspring Water] to bear his injuries. In this way, even if you fall from the Perfected Lord stature and need to start over, at least you can save your life and won't end up with your soul scattered."
Lu Yang nodded similarly. "This disciple understands."
As his voice fell, the four exchanged glances. [Patriarch Nether Whisper] hesitated no longer. With a surge of spiritial power, Suo Huan, who only had a skull left, suddenly bloomed with brilliance!