On the Emperor's Chariot, Zhang Jian raised his hand and calculated with a flick of his fingers. In his vast Primordial Spirit Divine Sense, he felt an immense shadow instantly envelop the earth, plunging the world into darkness.
"The toad devours the moon, a great calamity upon the world. In the depths of the northern barbaric region, Demon Qi runs rampant; it is feared a Great Demon is about to emerge!"
Zhang Jian pondered silently in his heart.
In terms of intelligence gathering, Great Xia is still inferior to major sects like the Tongshan Dao Lineage.
He thought it over and immediately sent a message to Tongshan.
Although the Great Xia Dynasty has expanded fiercely over the past decade, compared to the Tongshan Dao Lineage, it is like a small shrine before a grand temple.
In ten years, the Tongshan Dao Lineage has already devoured three hundred states surrounding the Divine Mountain.
This territory is nearly one-tenth of the Two Realms Region.
One-tenth of the Two Realms Region is a very exaggerated number.
There are many large sects in the Two Realms Region, but few can sweep so much territory in such a short time.
And it is not over yet.
The Tongshan Dao Lineage continues to expand deeper into the Two Realms Region, seemingly intending to swallow the East Suspended Divine Continent whole.
It appears to be preparing for a significant event.
Zhang Jian has secretly listened to his fellow disciples, and even some sect elders speculate.
The Tongshan Dao Lineage has historically expanded similarly, but each expansion has its purpose, whether for treasure refining and disaster relief, for a catastrophe in the Divine Land, or as preparation for a sect ancestor's ascension to the Celestial Palace.
As Zhang Jian's thoughts raced, the Yellow Court Palace was already before him.
The Yellow Court Palace was where he resided.
At this moment, his form stepped into the void, seemingly merging with it. An indistinct Great Daoist Dao Rhyme circulated around him as if he could merge at any moment with an omnipresent Heaven and Earth Dao Law, his divine light profound and mysterious.
...
Tongshan
In the Supreme Virtue Palace, Fuyou Daoist stood deep within Cyan Origin Peak, also witnessing that grand celestial omen deep in the sky.
His eyes gazed into the depths of the Barbaric Region; such a celestial omen signifies that a world-shattering demon may awaken.
His expression showed a hint of solemnity; at this time of the Tongshan Dao Lineage's emergence, dealing with such demons is inevitable.
Simultaneously, a thought flashed through his mind.
"In half a month, the Xiyue Grotto Heaven will open, and I wonder if that demon is coming for this event. If so, it could be quite troublesome!"
After a brief contemplation, Fuyou Daoist decided to strike the bell in the Supreme Virtue Palace, inviting the elders of all branches to convene for discussion.
...
Yellow Court Palace
This bedchamber at present resembles the core of the earth, exuding a vast power, eerie and unpredictable. It transformed into a unique page, the page suffused in black and white light, merging with a particular Heaven and Earth Dao Law in the profound void, revealing a profound truth of reversing life and death, reincarnation and immortality.
That is the Nine Nether Corpse Transformation.
Having cultivated to such a realm, Zhang Jian has already advanced it to the Harmonization Level. At this moment, this Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique seems bound to the Life and Death Dao Laws.
The page can have one to three names written on it; even if these people perish in battle, the Harmonization Level Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique can reverse life and death, re-gathering their Primordial Spirits.
It is a very mystical Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique.
And it is not yet its limit.
Its essence is a True Immortal Dao Skill.
True Immortal Level Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique!
"It is indeed powerful, yet its aid in mastering the Heaven and Earth Laws from the Netherworld side is limited!"
Before the screen, Zhang Jian slowly opened his eyes, a thoughtful expression in his gaze.
Behind him, the black and white light swirled, and the Nine Nether Jade Book immediately transformed into a stream of light, entering his Primordial Spirit Sea of Consciousness, forming patterns with several simple Innate Runes.
Indeed, Zhang Jian had considered creating his own Netherworld-side Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique as his main cultivation skill.
However, after careful consideration, Zhang Jian deemed it not cost-effective.
At his current realm, creating a True Immortal Level Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique is very challenging, demanding immense mental effort!
This is different from ordinary Yin Spirit Level Technique; Primordial Spirit Level Technique.
Daoist Technique at the True Immortal Level introduces a qualitative change in deduction difficulty.
This involves more complex and challenging calculus methods.
Zhang Jian has yet to summarize a few suitable formulas for True Immortal Level Primordial Spirit Immortal Techniques.
This requires a period of adjustment.
Rather than this, it would be better to first seek a mature Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique.
A ready-made Primordial Spirit Immortal Technique might possess greater power.
At that moment, Zhang Jian's expression shifted slightly, his gaze turning towards the depths of the void as an invisible stream of light broke through, blocked by the Nine Tripods Barrier.
With a casual hand gesture, Zhang Jian captured a Jade Slip from the void.
It was a communication Jade Slip from the Tongshan Dao Lineage.
"Washing Moon Ceremony?"
As Zhang Jian's gaze swept over it, his expression shifted immediately.
This message was sent by True Monarch Zhanmo. The sect's Washing Moon Trial is about to commence, and True Monarch Zhanmo was inquiring if he had any interest in participating.
Besides this, the communication Jade Slip also contained specific information about the Washing Moon Ceremony.
Within Tongshan, there are various Secret Realms and organized trials.
There are places suitable for Qi Cultivation Stage disciples, others are suited for Divination Foundation Establishment or Condensing Golden Core, and even for Yin Spirit Venerables' cultivation, but a few places allow only Primordial Spirit Masters to participate.
For instance, the Xiyue Grotto Heaven.
This is an ancient Grotto Heaven Blessed Land, with origins tracing back to the Middle Ages, rumored to be the site of a super-class major sect's ruins.
It is situated in the Void Dharma Realm, close to the Taiyin Star region.
Here it borders the Outer Void, the space is unstable and very dangerous.
The most peculiar thing is that this Xiyue Grotto Heaven is mobile, stabilizing only for half an hour every six hundred seventy-five years, during which the spatial storms around it subside enough to allow other cultivators to enter.
"Middle Ages Dao Lineage..."
Zhang Jian mused inwardly, naturally interested in such Middle Ages relics.
The last visit to the Beichen Pass ruins left a profound impression on him.
After some thought, Zhang Jian decided to exit seclusion directly.
He left behind a Void Illusion Body, then used magical power to summon a Heaven and Earth Talisman, condensing a Heaven and Earth Profound Gate, and his form slipped into it, heading straight for Tongshan.
...
Tongshan, Demon-slaying Peak
Upon entering the Demon-slaying Hall, Zhang Jian met True Monarch Zhanmo.
Seeing Zhang Jian enter the Demon-slaying Hall, True Monarch Zhanmo was slightly surprised, and after learning his purpose, invited him to the inner hall.
With a hint of teasing said, "Ah Yu, this time it seems you've changed your tune. I thought with your temperament, you wouldn't partake in such adventures?!"
True Monarch Zhanmo's tone carried some mockery.
Over the years, the sect and Dao lineage had many grand events, not lacking in trials and opportunities to explore relics. She had intended for Zhang Jian to train a bit, but each time he avoided it under the pretense of not wanting to take risks or claiming his Dao practice was too low. This was the first time he proactively came forth.
Zhang Jian lamented, "Master, times change. Back then, I was alone and carefree, but now with a following of many, I have to find a way, lest everything is exhausted!"
In the inner hall, True Monarch Zhanmo glanced at Zhang Jian, sneering.
"Rebellious disciple, you probably feel confident in your Dao practice now!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian was speechless, replying after a moment.
"Master, you misunderstand me deeply!"
True Monarch Zhanmo chuckled, "I hold no misunderstandings about you. I understand your nature well; you wouldn't act without absolute confidence!"
Zhang Jian was left speechless.
True Monarch Zhanmo truly understood him, aligning with his cautious mindset.
With the 'Golden Backing' in the Ancestral Hall, he naturally leaned towards caution.
He hadn't engaged in 'high-stake games' in a long time!
After a slight pause, True Monarch Zhanmo continued, "But your thinking isn't wrong. As cultivators, we can be radical but must have confidence. Only by living can we maintain hope!"
She sighed softly, "There's an ancient saying in the cultivation realm: the longer one lives, typically the higher the Dao practice. Though not absolute, there lies some truth!"
Zhang Jian smiled upon hearing this, "Master is wise!"
True Monarch Zhanmo looked at Zhang Jian again, speaking solemnly.
"Considering your Dao practice, entering the Xiyue Grotto Heaven shouldn't be perilous, but you must remain cautious. At its peak, the Xiyue Sword Sect was not much inferior to our Tongshan Dao Lineage and perhaps had more Primordial Spirit powerhouses. Yet, all sect disciples perished, indicating a possible great secret, so be extra careful!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian's demeanor slightly tensed.
The strength of the Tongshan Dao Lineage was clear to him; not mentioning the Third Generation Ancestors, even the Second Generation Ancestors were beyond the ordinary immortal's gaze.
"Could it be they offended some Daoist Monarch, who then obliterated the entire sect lineage?"
Zhang Jian pondered secretly!
Yet, he heard True Monarch Zhanmo add.
"Though it's dangerous inside, many treasures dwell within. Your Master Wuliang, Master Burning Bone, Master Qingyun, including I and your Master Jue Ming, have entered the Xiyue Grotto Heaven. Particularly, your Master Jue Ming gained immense benefits from it, aiding his rise to the Celestial Palace as a Celestial Immortal. Without that treasure, he may not have achieved the Celestial Immortal Body even after tens of thousands of years of cultivation!"
At this, a hint of envy flickered in True Monarch Zhanmo's eyes.
The Daoist Jue Ming's luck was envied by other True Monarchs in the sect!
Hearing this, Zhang Jian's eyes gleamed.
A treasure able to spare a True Immortal tens of thousands of years of mundane cultivation was hardly ordinary.
True Monarch Zhanmo continued, "Some sect treasures of the Xiyue Sword Sect likely still remain in the ruins; with your ability, perhaps you can probe into the core areas!"
Zhang Jian continued to listen attentively, as True Monarch Zhanmo evidently intended to enlighten him.
"...However, the coordinates of Xiyue Grotto Heaven aren't unique to our Tongshan Dao Lineage. Many large sects, including high-tier cultivators from the Demon Race and Demon Sect also hold them. When the Grotto Heaven stabilizes, numerous high-tier cultivators will enter, so you must be ready to handle it. There are countless extraordinary individuals and experts in this world, and one slip could result in major losses!"
Zhang Jian nodded, taking True Monarch Zhanmo's various warnings to heart, but contemplated before mentioning news regarding the Netherworld's Primordial Spirit Immortal Techniques.
True Monarch Zhanmo shook her head directly upon hearing this.
"You'll have to find your own way to obtain Netherworld Immortal Techniques at the True Immortal Level. After you return from Xiyue Grotto Heaven, you can visit Mountain and Sea Tower, Treasure Tower, or Heaven's Edge Pavilion to purchase them! As long as you have Spirit Stones, it shouldn't be an issue!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian nodded.
He wasn't deeply disappointed.
Zhang Jian continued to wait within Tongshan for several more days.
This time, the Tongshan Dao Lineage didn't send many disciples into Xiyue Grotto Heaven, only six were deployed.
On the day the Grotto Heaven opened.
In the faint morning light, warm sunlight seeped through the clouds atop the peak, sparsely spilling before the hall.
The air was filled with the moisture of morning and a rich, grassy fragrance.
Six individuals gathered early in front of the Ancestral Hall on Cyan Origin Peak, where True Monarch Burning Bone, robed in red, was already waiting.
His gaze swept over them, especially lingering on Zhang Jian, a hint of a smile surfacing.
"Fellow junior sisters and nephews, please follow me. This time, this poor Daoist will open a spatial passage for you!"