Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1760 - 947: Like an Immortal, Like a Devil—Majestic Wind Ends, Devilish Thought Arises

In the Taiyi Spirit Realm, situated in the southeastern part of the Heavenly Phenomenon Continent, a Rift Valley of unimaginable depth bisects the Tiancong Mountain Range, a chain stretching across millions of miles.

This chasm plunges into unfathomable depths, perpetually enshrouded in poisonous miasma, rendering it a place where life rarely thrives.

The valley floor remains in eternal darkness, untouched by sunlight. Eerie ghost fires drift aimlessly, casting a dim glow upon mounds of skeletal remains.

Suddenly, amidst the silent and desolate depths of this valley, a solitary flash of starlight ignited.

The brilliant light cut through the gloom, gradually expanding and dissipating numerous ghost fires, transforming the bone-strewn floor into a vast expanse resembling a starry ocean.

From this starlight emerged a human elder, adorned with a crown.

The elder's visage was pale, his beard long and untamed, exuding an aura of unrestrained freedom. His robes were of extraordinary luxury, appearing as if woven from myriad splendid star rivers, radiating a brilliant luminescence.

Observing his surroundings, the elder's gaze deepened. Then, he spoke, his voice resonating, "Jue Xie Pula, I have arrived as arranged. Will you not awaken?"

His voice, at a measured pitch, cascaded like liquid mercury, encompassing a radius of several hundred miles.

In the ensuing moment, the ground littered with bones began to convulse. Mounds of bone then collapsed in succession, erupting with bones as clear and translucent as jade.

Innumerable jade-like bones ascended into the air, coalescing into a singular form.

With a series of dense, cracking sounds…

A colossal skeletal monstrosity, comparable in size to a mountain, materialized in the sky.

Its entire form was pristine and smooth as jade. The skull bore a resemblance to that of a lion or a tiger, and two immense bone wings unfurled from its back. A long, formidable tail, segmented from bones, trailed from the end of its pillar-like spine.

"Qi Ruxian, do not overstep your bounds! I long ago shed that former name. By deliberately uttering it, are you seeking to provoke me?"

The skeletal monster flapped its colossal bone wings, instantly eclipsing the human elder. Its skull, as vast as a millstone, slowly descended towards the elder’s eyes, radiating an overwhelming sense of dread.

Qi Ruxian’s expression remained composed as he replied, "My age has diminished my memory somewhat. I should have addressed you as the Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord."

"Hmph, I perceive your discontent. However, do not forget the circumstances. It was you who sought me out back then. Without your clandestine assistance, how would my clan have pinpointed the Taiyi Spirit Realm within the immense Star Domain? During the great conflict between our respective clans, my people sustained grievous losses, even—"

Before the Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord could conclude its statement, Qi Ruxian interjected, "Enough!"

A subtle sternness crossed Qi Ruxian’s face as he expelled strands of white light, which rapidly contorted into silver-white rings.

These nine silver-white rings rotated slowly around him, their movements appearing to adhere to an unseen order, simultaneously emitting indescribable fluctuations of power.

The Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord's bony frame shuddered slightly, as if ensnared. It abruptly halted in mid-air, dark red flames igniting within its vacant eye sockets.

"Had it not been for my substantial backing, your Alien Demon clan would still be adrift in the Star Domain, unable to locate such a 'fertile land' teeming with life. Furthermore, my aspirations are beyond your comprehension," Qi Ruxian stated, directing his gaze at the skeletal entity.

Following his declaration, the Nine Heavens Star Rings encircling him momentarily paused, their emitted starlight noticeably diminishing.

"Heh, whether I comprehend it or not is irrelevant. I merely recognize you as a despicable, faithless, and self-serving individual. To ally with you is akin to seeking a tiger's skin," the Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord retorted, extricating itself from the binding force and issuing a cold chuckle.

"I have appeared as agreed, not to engage in a war of words with you."

Qi Ruxian regained his composure and directly posed his question: "Tell me, have all thirty-three Star Heavens entered their respective star orbits?"

The Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord expelled a plume of pale, frigid air, responding with a surly tone: "If they had not, why would I have summoned you here?!"

Upon hearing this, a flicker of joy crossed Qi Ruxian’s features. However, recalling Tianyunzi's successful transition to Immortal Heaven, his expression immediately turned frigid.

"Very well. Henceforth, you must offer your full cooperation with my spellcasting. Should my grand design, nurtured over tens of thousands of years, falter due to your actions, I shall undoubtedly report this to the Holy Venerable, and you shall bear the repercussions," Qi Ruxian declared with thinly veiled animosity, his tone laden with menace.

"Hehe, becoming your disciple, Qi Ruxian, is truly a tenfold curse. While other mentors show affection, you repeatedly inflict harm upon your own disciple. Nevertheless, your disciple Hongyun defied all odds, navigated through perils countless times, and ultimately achieved ascension. I genuinely cannot fathom the depths of your schemes." The Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord shook its head, its tone laced with biting sarcasm.

"You fail to comprehend!" Qi Ruxian met its gaze, replying with an air of indifference.

"Hmph, even if I cannot grasp your ultimate goal, I am aware that you are a being who treads fearlessly, save for the specter of total chaos. Furthermore, I am privy to one of your most significant secrets."

"Oh? What secret might that be? Pray tell, I am eager to hear it!" Qi Ruxian's eyes glinted, a sudden spark of interest igniting the conversation.

The Zizai Heavenly Demon Lord, ever the shrewd manipulator, was not so easily drawn in.

Instead of divulging the secret, it steered the conversation back to the pressing matter at hand: "Qi Ruxian, for the sake of your so-called 'grand scheme,' I have borne an immense cost. Are you absolutely certain your plan will culminate in success?"

Qi Ruxian responded with unwavering conviction, "Tianyunzi has already ascended to Immortal Heaven, and the Nanji Immortal Venerable has likewise returned to resume their duties within Immortal Heaven. Although a new Immortal Venerable has yet to descend to officially govern, my confidence remains absolute. When the cataclysm erupts and the Divine Continent crumbles, the Four Holy Continents will undoubtedly descend into widespread turmoil. Once the chaos rebounds upon its architect, Zhao Xianglong faces a significant likelihood of perishing on the spot. At that juncture, the Venerable of Chaos will surely be incapable of maintaining their power."