Eternal Sacred King Chapter 131 to135

 Chapter 131: Not Even at Foundation Establishment!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Feng Haoyu was long already at Perfected Qi Condensation and could naturally advance to Foundation Establishment realm at any moment.

However, he had not expected that he would make a breakthrough during his fight against Su Zimo.

It seemed a little hasty.

If it was anyone else, they might fail in their advancement to Foundation Establishment. However, Feng Haoyu was different. In terms of endowment or spirit root, he was the creme of the crop.

Even though he was already injured, he had the confidence of reaching Foundation Establishment realm in one fell swoop after consuming the Qi Rejuvenation and Foundation Establishment Elixirs!

As the five peak masters argued, the medicinal essence of the Foundation Establishment Elixir coursed through Feng Haoyu’s body and surged into his dantian.

Inside, his sea of qi rumbled and spewed continuously.

Through the power of the medicinal essence coupled with Feng Haoyu’s control, the vast sea of qi began to coagulate to the middle!

The sea of qi was shrinking within his body.

However, the aura it emitted was even more terrifying.

The difference between Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment was a huge leap.

In the path of cultivation, every crossing of a realm would bring about a significant change to one’s strength.

This was the reason why things like defeating an opponent of different levels was mostly only possible within the same realm. When the difference is a realm apart, it was difficult to take down an opponent.

That was also the reason why cultivators would have a change in title after a breakthrough in realm.

Cultivators at Qi Condensation realm were called Qi Refinement Warriors.

As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, they were called Cultivator Warriors.

At the Golden Core realm, one could gain the title of a Perfected being!

From Qi Condensation to Foundation Establishment, the spirit qi in the dantian would undergo a change in quality. Instead of qi, it would be transformed to a liquid state.

With that, the strength one possessed would be purer, more solidified and powerful.

Using that was a basis, one could then learn and unleash the various types of power spirit arts in the cultivation world.

Right now, that transformation was happening within Feng Haoyu’s body.

No matter how much the five peak masters argued, they were still rational towards this matter as none of them interrupted Feng Haoyu’s breakthrough process.

After all, Feng Haoyu’s cultivation path may very well be crippled if he were to fail his Foundation Establishment breakthrough.

That would imply the loss of a great genius.

Standing in the spirit arena, Su Zimo did not make a move as well while he watched everything unfold.

Everyone present was not fools. To be fair, if it was a life and death battle, Feng Haoyu would have already lost here.

Which opponent would give their enemies a chance to break through?

They would seize the opportunity and kill them on the spot!

However, to everyone’s bewilderment, Su Zimo was still extremely calm as though he was looking at something completely unrelated to him.

An unknown period of time passed.

The vast sea of qi within Feng Haoyu’s dantian disappeared, transforming into a drop of liquid. An even more terrifying aura spread out slowly, rippling through the crowd.

From its size, that drop of spirit liquid was small. However, in terms of power, it was many times larger than the sea of qi!

Feng Haoyu let out a long sigh. By the time he walked back into the spirit arena, he had gone through a complete transformation – his aura was incomparably sharp with a torrential fighting spirit!

Smiling, Feng Haoyu asked, “Su Zimo, you don’t have much spirit qi left in you after controlling those six flying swords, right?”

Su Zimo did not reply and merely looked at Feng Haoyu silently.

On the other side, Wen Xuan and the disheveled old man were still arguing nonstop.

The fight between Su Zimo and Feng Haoyu had become a battle between the two peaks.

To Wen Xuan, it no longer mattered if the fight was unfair to Su Zimo. Feng Haoyu was a disciple of Spirit Peak and this year’s number one to boot.

He must not lose!

What Wen Xuan did not realize was that his attitude provoked the injustice in Su Zimo’s heart.

‘Since you want to let Feng Haoyu win, very well. I’ll have him lose!’

‘Not just a loss. I’ll have him suffer a complete defeat!’

Feng Haoyu waved his sleeves and his flying sword that had fallen nearby turned into a stream of light, returning to his side.

The mere act of summoning his flying sword left many disciples’ hearts palpitating.

It was too fast!

Now that he was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, Feng Haoyu’s sword kinesis speed was more than twice as fast!

Coupled with the support of his wind attribute alongside the sect’s secret skill, Ethereal Sword, which Qi Refinement Warrior could defend against Feng Haoyu’s next attack?

Defending aside, they may not even be able to dodge it!

The disheveled old man laughed coldly. No longer arguing with Wen Xuan, he declared loudly, “Su Zimo, let’s not fight anymore! Since he wants the victory to be in Spirit Peak’s name, so be it! It doesn’t matter. Everyone knows who won or lost!”

With that, the disheveled old man left his seat and walked towards the spirit arena while remarking, “What an eye-opener. A Foundation Establishment Cultivator actually has the cheek to fight against a Qi Refinement Warrior. Some people truly know no shame.”

Wen Xuan’s expression turned ugly.

If Su Zimo had admitted defeat, he wouldn’t have forced the fight to continue.

When Feng Haoyu heard the disheveled old man’s words, his cheeks burned with shame as well.

Suddenly, Su Zimo laughed and asked, “Master, it’s already embarrassing enough for Foundation Establishment Cultivators to pick a fight against Qi Refinement Warriors. But, wouldn’t it be even more embarrassing if they lose?”

“Hmm?”

The disheveled old man froze for a moment and paused in his tracks – he did not understand what Su Zimo meant.

Su Zimo clenched his fists. His eyes shone brightly as he declared loud and clear, “Feng Haoyu, let me tell you. Even at Foundation Establishment, you can’t beat me!”

“Such arrogant words. Prepare to die!”

A trace of ruthlessness flashed through Feng Haoyu’s eyes. Conjuring a sword art in both hands, he hollered as his flying sword suddenly burst forth, leaving shadows in its wake.

The sword qi was like ice that sent shivers down one’s spine!

“Ah!”

A wave of shock and astonishment could be heard from the crowd.

That strike was way too fast!

Everyone had merely felt a flash before their eyes and the flying sword had already pierced right in front of Su Zimo.

But the next moment, everyone’s exclamation stopped!

The disciples of the five peaks discovered in shock that out of nowhere, Su Zimo had disappeared from where he was too!

“Bang!”

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed from the spirit arena. A footprint appeared where Su Zimo was originally standing, shattering the surrounding stone slabs and leaving a spiderweb-like crack.

Everyone focused their attention.

In midair, a green shadow burst towards Feng Haoyu with lightning speed.

A crisp sound rang out as the flying sword crossed with that shadow.

If the sword had pierced Su Zimo, it would definitely flash with a bloody glow.

However, there were no traces of blood on the spirit arena.

He had dodged it?

Su Zimo had actually managed to dodge an attack of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator using the sect’s secret skill!

But, what was that crisp sound earlier on?

The disciples of the five peaks below were unable to see clearly because the flying sword was too fast and Su Zimo’s intercrossing with it merely lasted a split second.

However, the five peak masters saw everything clearly.

The moment Feng Haoyu struck with his sword, Su Zimo left his original position and charged towards the incoming sword!

Right as the sword was about to stab him, Su Zimo suddenly made an extremely strange dodge in midair and barely avoided the flying sword.

It was a mere centimeter gap!

As for the crisp sound, it was because the flying sword had struck Su Zimo’s sect badge on his waist.

Chapter 132: It’s Him, Number One of Four Peaks!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

In the spirit arena.

No one could understand Feng Haoyu’s feelings at the moment.

When he saw Su Zimo charging at him, Feng Haoyu felt that he was not facing a human, but a savage and brutal demon!

He could clearly see a red glint in the depths of Su Zimo’s eyes.

Thick, dense veins also popped up on Su Zimo’s face – it was a shocking and horrifying sight!

“Ah!”

Losing his composure, Feng Haoyu subconsciously summoned his silver shield to block in front of him.

When Su Zimo arrived before Feng Haoyu, he took a last step and landed with a loud thud, causing the entire spirit arena to shake!

Splash!

Su Zimo’s blood rumbled and a shocking sound of waves could be heard by all the cultivators present.

Swoosh!

Su Zimo raised his arm in midair; the clothes on his arm were all tattered and torn into pieces.

What appeared before everyone was a muscular arm as thick as a python with green veins popping out and intertwining with the flesh. It was as though water was gushing forth with an explosive amount of power!

When his fist was thrown out, his flesh expanded once more and it looked like a gigantic stamp was falling to the ground with a shocking aura!

At that moment, everyone had an illusion.

Even though Feng Haoyu was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he was insignificant as an ant against Su Zimo’s fist!

Bam!

The fist met with the silver shield and let out a deafening, earth-shattering explosion.

The disciples felt their hearts pounding alongside the explosion as they could not help but gulp.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

A strange sound rang out.

First, a gigantic crack appeared on the silver shield in Feng Haoyu’s hands. It then slowly spread out and covered the entire shield.

Shattered!

An inferior-grade spirit weapon was shattered by Su Zimo with his bare hands!

The crowd was dead silent.

Everyone watched this horrifying scene with widened eyes and even forgot to breathe.

Falling far away from the spirit arena, Feng Haoyu rolled a couple of times on the ground and coughed out blood. Closing his eyes, his face was pale and it was unknown if he was alive or dead.

Things had ended just like that?

Everything had changed so quickly that it caught everyone off guard.

This was initially Feng Haoyu’s victory after he had advanced to Foundation Establishment realm. However, the tides were suddenly turned as he was sent flying out of the spirit arena with just a punch from Su Zimo!

Everyone’s first reaction was that Su Zimo had cultivated some extremely powerful body tempering technique.

However, why did that tempering technique seem like it was some demonic technique?

By now, the blood on Su Zimo’s face had faded away gradually. However, all the cultivators had witnessed the scene just now.

In the spirit arena.

Su Zimo lowered his head and calmed his blood repeatedly.

Even though he had deliberately suppressed himself for that strike, the new blood cultivated from the Marrow Cleansing section had already been swapped into his marrows and it was difficult to distinguish or even control it properly.

Thankfully, Su Zimo did not let out any obvious signs of demonification.

Even then, that scene attracted the attention of the five peak masters.

At that moment, all five peak masters stood up with a solemn expression as they glared at Su Zimo with suspicion and scrutiny.

Suddenly, on the other end of the spirit arena, a bright bedazzling light burst forth and diverted everyone’s attention.

The light came from the Ten Formations Stele.

Suddenly, a change happened on the first row of the Ten Formations Stele.

In place of the blank space, a name appeared – Su Zimo!

“Su Zimo, Cleared Level 10, 7 days 18 hours!”

That row of words caused an uproar.

“Su Zimo? Why is it Su Zimo?”

“T-This doesn’t make any sense? Is something wrong with the Ten Formations Stele?”

“Su Zimo was the mysterious challenger?”

Disciples of the five peaks were so shocked that they couldn’t speak properly.

Suddenly, a disciple yelled, “Guys, look! That’s Su Zimo’s sect badge!”

Everyone looked down.

At the feet of the Ten Formations Stele was an inferior-grade flying sword and a sect badge.

That flying sword belonged to Feng Haoyu.

As for the sect badge, it was Su Zimo’s.

“I’ve got it!”

Someone suddenly shouted, “When Senior Brother Feng and Junior Brother Su exchanged blows earlier on, Senior Brother Feng’s flying sword knocked Junior Brother Su’s sect badge off and it struck the Ten Formations Stele by coincidence!”

At that, everyone finally understood.

But then, everyone was shocked by an even more unacceptable fact!

Su Zimo was the mysterious challenger.

That meant that he should have been the number one of Array Peak this year.

Since Spirit Peak’s master had previously forbidden Su Zimo from entering Spirit Peak, he was unable to take part in the face-off.

However, Su Zimo had defeated the number one of Spirit Peak today.

That was akin to him being this year’s number one of Spirit Peak!

Coupled with Elixir and Weapon Peaks, Su Zimo had achieved the unprecedented number one of four peaks!

The way everyone looked at Su Zimo gradually changed.

They could no longer use the term genius for someone like that.

He was a monster!

Little fatty was completely stumped.

He could not help but recall Su Zimo once mentioning casually in his cave abode that it was nothing to clear the formations.

Back then, he was displeased and even told Su Zimo earnestly to be humble and to keep a low profile...

“Bro, this is being way too humble!” Little fatty cried.

However, he knew that this was not Su Zimo’s fault.

Su Zimo had mentioned that he was the mysterious challenger as well. However, little fatty was the one who did not believe him, thinking that it was a casual remark...

Zhong Wen of Array Peak chuckled bitterly and murmured to himself, “I’ve made countless guesses as to who you are. Yet, I would have never imagined that you were a disciple of another peak; someone who had joined the sect for less than a year to boot. Sigh.”

A strange glint appeared in Leng Rou’s eyes as she could not help but wonder internally, ‘Given more time, would you take away my position as number one of Talisman Peak too?’

The many disciples aside, even the four peak masters were stunned.

Because Xuan Yi already knew about it, he was not taken aback.

However, the other four peak masters were filled with disbelief.

Wen Xuan looked towards Xuan Yi apologetically.

At first, he misunderstood that Xuan Yi had broken the sect rules by imparting the Hexagonal Sword Formation to Su Zimo without permission.

Now, Wen Xuan finally understood that Xuan Yi had done it because Su Zimo had earned the right to learn it!

Suddenly, Wen Xuan recalled something even more important. With a swift motion, he appeared beside Feng Haoyu and checked the latter before heaving a sigh of relief.

Feng Haoyu had merely fainted over and his life was not in danger.

Wen Xuan dug out an elixir from his storage bag and popped it into Feng Haoyu’s mouth. He then raised his head and looked at Su Zimo in the spirit arena with burning eyes.

Right now, Su Zimo had already calmed his blood and returned to normal.

Even though the five peak masters said nothing, they required an explanation from Su Zimo.

Otherwise, even if he was the number one of four peaks and an unprecedented monstrous genius, they would absolutely not retain him!

Chapter 133: Thunderclap Valley

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Regarding Su Zimo’s matter, the five peak masters had a tacit understanding.

He had cultivated some sort of body tempering technique and it was an extremely terrifying one such that he had the power to defeat an early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

But of course, it could not be denied that Feng Haoyu’s foundation was unstable since he had just advanced to Foundation Establishment realm. Furthermore, he was unprepared.

Even though Su Zimo had won this fight, all five peak masters felt that the outcome would be indeterminate if they were to fight again.

Firstly, it was worth suspecting the origins of this body tempering technique.

Something so terrifying could very likely be a secret of some sect out there, similar to Ethereal Sword.

If that was the case, they would have to think about Su Zimo’s background and identity.

Could he be sent by other sects to hide in Ethereal Peak?

Did he have some ulterior motive for joining Ethereal Peak?

That was something intolerable for any sect. If they were to discover a spy, a light punishment would be to maim him of his cultivation or kick him out of the sect. Even a heavy punishment of killing him outright was considered to be normal.

Secondly, that body tempering technique did not seem as though it was from the orthodox path. Instead, it seemed like a demonic technique.

If that was the case and it was proven that Su Zimo was someone of the demonic path, all the more he shouldn’t be kept! Despite admiring his talents, all five peak masters would have him killed on the spot!

Something as such was non-negotiable.

The path of immortals and demons was different to begin with and couldn’t coexist.

There was no way they would let someone of the demonic path stay in the sect to plot against them!

They then recalled all the various abnormalities about Su Zimo since he had joined the sect. The explosion of the spirit testing gate; he ascended the peak against little crane’s obstruction; he slashed at Xuan Yi after clearing the Eight Distresses Formation; he managed to cultivate a Level 3 Spirit Fire right after joining the sect...

“Su Zimo, do you have anything to say for yourself?” The cold lady asked frostily.

A look of pity flashed through Xuan Yi’s eyes.

He had initially thought that Su Zimo could become the sect’s second Sword Formation Master.

However, he would not permit it if that Sword Formation Master was someone on the demonic path!

Killing demons was the duty of orthodox cultivators. Since Ethereal Peak was one of the five main sects of the Great Zhou Dynasty, this was naturally something non-negotiable.

Furthermore, the talent displayed by Su Zimo was way too extraordinary.

If he was truly someone of the demonic path, he must not be kept alive!

He would definitely grow up to be a powerhouse of the demonic path and would turn into a great nemesis of all orthodox sects!

Su Zimo did not know how he should explain things.

However, through the gazes of the five peak masters, he understood that he could be met with a gigantic predicament he could not get through this.

A calamity of life and death!

“I...”

Right as Su Zimo was about to speak, a loud and clear sound of a crane could be heard from the clouds above the heavens.

Swoosh!

The winds howled as a gigantic pair of wings covered half the skies, shrouding them with a large shadow.

Everyone subconsciously looked up.

A humongous crane descended from the skies. Flapping its wings, sand was blown everywhere.

The clothes of many disciples fluttered in the wind. Some disciples even lost their footing against the strong wind and swayed.

The Mystical Guardian Beast had suddenly appeared!

No one had expected that a match between two Qi Refinement Warriors would trigger such an immense existence in the sect.

In the eyes of many disciples, the crane was the most mysterious existence in the sect. Rarely seen, it was said that the crane was even older than the sect itself.

However, one thing was certain – the strength and status of the crane surpassed even the five peak masters!

“Greetings, senior.”

Instantly, the five peak masters bowed respectfully at the arrival of the crane.

Hovering in midair, the crane did not move and swept its gaze across the crowd, finally fixing it on Su Zimo. Suddenly, it spoke in human language, “Weapon Peak disciple, Su Zimo, has resulted in Qi Deviation from his training! He shall be punished to an indefinite seclusion in Thunderclap Valley to reflect on himself!”

Everyone was stunned.

The five peak masters were equally stumped.

What surprised the five peak masters was that from the tone of the crane, it seemed as though it had no doubts about Su Zimo’s background and was merely punishing him to reflect on himself in Thunderclap Valley.

In other words, the crane was implying that Su Zimo had not cultivated demonic techniques. He had merely made a mistake in his path of cultivation, resulting in a Qi Deviation.

However, the contradiction was that if Su Zimo’s background and cultivation techniques were normal, there was no need to punish him at all, let alone send him to Thunderclap Valley to reflect on himself.

If there was nothing wrong, why should he reflect on himself?

If it was a mere Qi Deviation, all he had to do was to cultivate in seclusion within his cave abode with extra caution so that he could stabilize his foundation.

Upon hearing the words Thunderclap Valley, the five peak masters exchanged strange glances.

They simultaneously thought of someone.

Trial disciples of the sect were no stranger to the Thunderclap Valley as well.

Thunderclap Valley was a place between Ethereal Peak and the back mountains. The strange topography formed a mysterious valley where reverberating thunderclaps could be heard rumbling through the year.

It wasn’t a large place and it was barren.

Every rainy day, it would even bring forth countless thunderbolts.

Due to the thin presence of spirit qi alongside the endless thunderclaps, it was impossible for one to cultivate within.

Being sent to Thunderclap Valley was a punishment akin to being kicked out of the sect.

Suddenly, little fatty recalled something and mumbled to himself, “It’s over, it’s over! I already told bro that he should release little crane. This is bad. This big crane must be making use of this opportunity to punish bro!”

Naturally, little fatty knew that little crane was trapped in front of Su Zimo’s cave abode.

Some disciples also recalled that Su Zimo had once bullied little crane before he entered the sect. Now that the sect’s guardian had descended personally, they could not help but relate both matters.

“Hehe! That Su Zimo sure is unlucky! He had just gotten first place of four peaks. Before he can do anything, he’s already being thrown to Thunderclap Valley!” Some disciples in the crowd laughed.

“It should be fine. He’ll still be equally powerful when he returns.”

“Hmph, didn’t you pay attention to the main point of senior crane?” That person continued, “Senior crane mentioned an indefinite amount of time for him to reflect on himself! That means that Su Zimo will not be able to leave without senior crane’s permission!”

“It can’t be that ruthless, right?” Another disciple jumped in fright.

That person shrugged and said, “Even if that’s not the case, he won’t be able to cultivate within! If it locks him for a good ten years, we’ll all be Foundation Establishment Cultivators and inner sect disciples by the time he comes out. Even if he’s the number one of four peaks, so what? He’ll still be just a Level 9 Qi Refinement Warrior!”

Many disciples could not help but feel secretly alarmed when they heard that.

Su Zimo remained silent in the spirit arena.

In truth, he knew very well that the crane was not sending him to Thunderclap Valley as a punishment.

If it wanted to punish him, it could have done so long ago and without any reason in fact. Why wait till now?

Besides, Su Zimo had a vague feeling.

The crane was doing this to save him!

If it had not appeared, he would either be maimed of his cultivation, kicked out of the sect or killed on the spot!

However, there was something that puzzled Su Zimo as well.

If the crane merely wanted to save him, why send him to Thunderclap Valley?

Why was it doing this?

Chapter 134: Exposed

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Even though the five peak masters were perplexed, none of them dared question a decision the Mystical Guardian Beast had descended personally to make.

The crane soared into the skies, causing strong winds to howl as it flapped its wings. No one saw what it did but Su Zimo’s body was lifted off the ground uncontrollably and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared from everyone’s sight.

After the crane left, the five peak masters exchanged glances and rushed to Ethereal Peak.

They had to inform the sect master about it given the strange circumstances of the incident.

Even after the five peak masters left, all the disciples remained where they were and started discussing.

“Senior crane is incredible. To think that it comprehends human language and can even speak it!”

“I heard that once demons reach a certain realm, they’re able to speak like humans.”

“That’s not all. It’s said that some powerful demons can even take on human form, looking entirely identical on the surface!”

For many disciples who had joined the sect for a couple of years now, this was their first time seeing the true appearance of the Mystical Guardian Beast and they were filled with curiosity.

“Sigh, Senior Brother Feng really suffered a huge blow this time. He had boasted that he wanted to obtain number one of three peaks. In the end, he only managed to get number one of Spirit Peak.”

“Number one of Spirit Peak? But, he still lost to Junior Brother Su. It’s not just Senior Brother Feng, I think this is a huge blow for the entire Spirit Peak.”

“That’s right. Back then, the peak master even forbade Junior Brother Su from stepping foot into Spirit Peak. Little did he expect that Junior Brother Su would take down his number one.”

“Number one of four peaks. Who would have guessed that the mysterious challenger was Junior Brother Su? Sigh.”

...

Ethereal Main Peak, Ethereal Palace.

The five peak masters arrived at the same time. Seated at the top of the palace, Sect Master Ling Yun looked as though he was resting with his eyes closed.

Wen Xuan cupped his fists. “Sect master, Su Zimo and Feng Haoyu fought on Array Peak’s spirit arena today. In the end...”

“I know.”

Before Wen Xuan could even finish, Sect Master Ling Yun interrupted him.

Ling Yun opened his eyes; they were like stars, deep and mysterious. He spoke in a low voice, “The crane has its plan regarding this matter.”

“Sect master, Su Zimo’s body tempering technique is not simple. Among the five major sects of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Southern Mountains Sect is the strongest in body tempering. Since Su Zimo is not cultivating in the demonic path, could he be cultivating a secret skill of Southern Mountains Sect?” The brown haired youth asked out of worry.

“I don’t know either.”

Sect Master Ling Yun shook his head.

“This...”

The five peak masters were speechless.

Wen Xuan frowned. “Sect master, senior crane is a demon at the end of the day. It...”

“Hmm?”

Ling Yun’s expression changed and his gaze suddenly turned extremely sharp. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “Wen Xuan, what are you trying to imply?”

A suppressive aura surged forth from him as Wen Xuan’s face turned pale and he no longer dared to continue.

The tension within Ethereal Palace turned extremely oppressive and cold all of a sudden.

After a moment, Xuan Yi spoke, “Sect master, Wen Xuan meant no harm. It was just that Su Zimo’s behavior reminded us of that person back then. If Su Zimo is just like him, we’ll have to keep an eye on him from now on.”

“There’s no need to worry. Leave this matter to the crane.”

After pausing for a moment, Ling Yun continued, “Even though the crane is a demon, it conquered through the cultivation world with our Founder Master and established Ethereal Peak. You should not doubt it.”

“Moreover, do you think that Ethereal Peak can become one of the Great Zhou Dynasty’s five major sects if not for the crane guarding over us?”

When they heard that, the five peak masters shuddered.

They had long known that the crane held a special status in the sect.

However, humans and demons were completely different beings and had different goals as well. The concept of coexistence was one that wasn’t common.

However, the five of them had not expected that the crane actually held such importance for the sect!

“You can leave.”

Ling Yun waved his hand.

After the five peak masters left, Ling Yun’s face revealed a hint of exhaustion. Deep in his eyes, there was a trace of slight worry.

...

Enveloped by an invisible energy, Su Zimo was sent to a valley before long.

After stepping on the ground, Su Zimo looked over – he was surrounded by mountains and barren land.

Bang! Boom! Boom!

Bang! Boom! Boom!

The sound of muffled thunder reverberated in the valley deafeningly.

Su Zimo frowned.

The spirit qi in this valley was extremely thin. Coupled with the disruption of the thunder, it was almost impossible to cultivate.

If he stayed here, everyday would truly feel like an entire year.

After placing Su Zimo on the ground, the crane circled in mid-air and suddenly fell. By the time it landed on the ground, it had transformed into a beautiful woman. Her red hair was coiled up, looking graceful and noble.

Su Zimo was stunned on the spot.

The redheaded beauty before him was no different from a real human. If he had not known beforehand, Su Zimo would not have imagined that it was a crane before him!

With a single wave of her hand, the redheaded beauty formed a barrier around them that isolated the sound of thunder outside.

“Do you know why I brought you here?” She looked at Su Zimo with a gentle gaze.

“I don’t,” Su Zimo shook his head.

The redheaded beauty’s following words made Su Zimo pale in shock and panic.

“The demon technique that you’re cultivating is very powerful,” The redheaded beauty said shockingly.

Su Zimo’s expression changed and his heart thumped furiously. Instinctively, he lowered his head to try and conceal the shock in his eyes.

‘What did senior crane mean by that?’

‘Is it testing me or has it discovered something?’

Many thoughts ran through Su Zimo’s mind as he stood rooted on the spot.

“If I was testing you, your reaction would be all the answer I need.”

The redheaded beauty laughed. “Don’t worry. I naturally didn’t want to expose your secret since I brought you here.”

Su Zimo asked, “When did you discover it, senior?”

“Half a year ago, you knocked out a Spirit Peak disciple with a single push. Even though it was momentary, you let out the blood aura of a demon. While others may not notice it, a demon like me is naturally extremely familiar with that aura,” The redheaded beauty explained.

After pausing for a moment, she continued, “You are still human now, but with the passage of time, you will completely turn into a demon once your blood is completely swapped with the newly generated demon blood. By then, you will lose all traces of your humanity!”

Su Zimo remained silent.

This was something he had realized as well. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stopped cultivating the Marrow Cleansing section in the past half a year.

No matter what, Su Zimo was still human. Even if he cultivated The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness, he did not wish to transform into a demon.

As though she could read his mind, the redheaded beauty said once more, “Even if you stop cultivating that demon technique, your body is already infused with demon blood. If you aren’t careful, you will be exposed! I’m sure I don’t need to explain what would happen if you get exposed.”

Su Zimo nodded.

If they knew that he was a demon, the sect would either kill him or force him into a blood oath to become someone’s spirit beast.

Even if he escaped from the sect, Su Zimo would have a hard time advancing in the cultivation world.

All cultivators out there only deployed those two methods towards demons.

Chapter 135: He Was Here Too

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“I can help you hide it this time round. But, what about the next time?”

The redheaded beauty’s question suddenly gave rise to a doubt within Su Zimo.

He asked, “Senior, why do all cultivators possess such a deep hatred towards demons as though there’s no room for negotiation?

When she heard that, the redheaded beauty froze for a moment. Her eyes revealed a reminiscent look as she sighed. “The grudges between the two races have been going on for a long time. It can be traced back to the primordial era.”

“Primordial era?”

That was the first time Su Zimo had heard that word and he could not help but look confused.

Primordial era... those words exuded a desolate and tragic aura, filled with the vicissitudes of time.

The redheaded beauty seemed to be filled with emotions as she murmured, “That was a magnificent era. Ancient in the past, many lives were born during that period and all races flourished with the humans among them. However, that era was a tragic period to the humans.”

For some reason, Su Zimo felt his chest getting stuffy as though he was being suffocated by an invisible aura.

He could merely feel the pressure just by hearing the crane talk about that period of time.

It was hard to imagine how things would be like if he was born in that era faced with those circumstances.

Sensing Su Zimo’s abnormality, the redheaded beauty came back to her senses and shook her head. “Let’s not talk about it anymore. All you have to know is that after the primordial era, Tianhuang Mainland went through the ancient era before coming to this point of time. The feud between the two races had spanned through two eras and it is a hatred deeply ingrained in the blood of their descendants. It’s impossible to resolve it.”

Su Zimo nodded. With a thought, he asked, “Senior, did you bring me here because you have a method of removing the hidden ailment within my body?”

“I do have one, but I don’t know if it will work.”

The redheaded beauty continued, “A genius once appeared in the sect. His talent was similar to yours and he was regarded as the future hope of the sect. However, he eventually betrayed the sect and fell into the demonic path, never returning since.”

“Was he also a fiend cultivator?” Su Zimo asked in surprise.

“No.”

The redheaded beauty shook her head. “He had an eccentric personality and was extreme in his methods. After he showed signs of entering the demonic path, the sect realized it and locked him here in seclusion to reflect on himself. True enough, with the thunderclaps here, he managed to cleanse the demonic qi from his body.”

Su Zimo asked, “What you mean to say is that I’m able to remove the demonic qi in blood through the help of thunder?”

The redheaded beauty nodded.

Pausing for a moment, she continued, “However, the demonic technique you’re cultivating is extremely powerful. I don’t know if this idea will work.”

“But, how do I make use of the thunder? I don’t understand at all,” Su Zimo looked confused.

“I don’t know about that either.”

Su Zimo was speechless.

Could he cleanse the demonic qi in his body just by sitting here and listening to the rumbling thunder?

The redheaded beauty said once more, “Thunder is one of the most ferocious types of energy and is extremely useful in suppressing demons. Beasts are innately afraid of fire while demons are innately afraid of thunder. Of all the powers, thunder reigns supreme!”

Su Zimo roughly understood.

The crane meant that he might be able to get rid of the hidden ailment in his body with the help of the power of thunder.

It was only a direction she was providing for him to work on. As to how to resolve it, she did not know entirely either.

Right then, Su Zimo’s heart stirred – he remembered something.

After the Weapon Peak face-off, he had obtained the Mystic Gold Silk Armor.

From the disheveled old man, he found out that the owner of the Mystic Gold Silk Armor was once a horrifyingly powerful being in the sect back then and was invincible across the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core realms!

However, the disheveled old man was unwilling to reveal more about that man as though he had some reservations.

Suddenly, Su Zimo asked, “Senior, the genius that you mentioned. Was he wearing a Mystic Gold Silk Armor back then which was a connate spirit weapon?”

“Hmm?”

A look of surprise flickered through the redheaded beauty’s eyes as she asked, “You actually know about this?”

Bingo!

The powerful being mentioned by the disheveled old man was the same genius the crane was referring to!

“Senior, can you share with me about this person’s past?”

Su Zimo suddenly felt a strong sense of curiosity towards this person.

“It’s actually nothing much.”

The redheaded beauty chuckled. “Ever since the sect set up the Eight Distresses Formation, you were the second person to endure through it. He was the first.”

Su Zimo nodded – he had heard the disheveled old man mention this previously.

“Do you know how he managed to endure through it?” The redheaded beauty asked.

“I don’t know.”

“The Eight Distresses Formation is an illusion formation. In it, you will encounter countless people, many of whom will be your dearest kin. You will also experience life, death, illness... the eight distresses of life. And that person...”

At that point, the redheaded beauty paused for a moment before continuing, “He killed everyone he encountered within the illusion formation!”

“Ah!”

Su Zimo was shocked and could not help but exclaim.

Those who are trapped in the Eight Distresses Formation will not realize that they were in an illusion formation because everything they encounter would be too real.

However, that person killed everyone in the illusion formation – how terrifying was that?

“Could it be that he has already discovered that he was in an illusion formation?” Su Zimo asked.

“I’m not sure.”

The redheaded beauty shook her head. “However, he had not started on Qi Condensation at that time so he should not have realized it.”

“Forget it, these are all history of the sect. Just listen with a pinch of salt.”

The redheaded beauty said, “I vaguely guessed that you intend to cultivate both the immortality and demonic path in the future. However, that is a path no one had taken before and the future is unknown. The hidden ailment in your blood right now is only one of many. As you raise your cultivation realm, you will encounter even more trouble in the future, sigh.”

Su Zimo was also aware of this.

Right now, it was the wisest choice to stop cultivating The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness.

However, that cultivation technique held a special meaning to him.

It was this technique that had changed Su Zimo’s life. In fact, it even changed the fates of many people around him as well!

Most importantly, Die Yue had imparted it to him.

At the thought of Die Yue, Su Zimo could not help but compare her with the redheaded beauty before him.

Die Yue should be a demon as well.

Even though both of them could take on human form, Su Zimo did not know whose cultivation was higher.

“Senior, if a person is born without a spirit root, are you able to help them plant one?” Su Zimo took a different approach instead of asking directly.

After all, he did not know what cultivation realm Die Yue and senior crane before him was at.

“Plant spirit root?”

The redheaded beauty smiled. “It’s not just me, I don’t think anyone in the entire Tianhuang Mainland can do such a thing. Spirit root is something you are born with. If you don’t have it, you don’t have it. Being able to plant a spirit root into someone artificially is equivalent to changing that person’s fate against the heavens! Who in the world can change anyone’s fate?”

The redheaded beauty chuckled again. “Perhaps even Perfected Immortals can’t do that.”