Chapter 1014: Nine Ranks, Primordial Beginning

Pure Nine-Lotus Lamp

As Du Mengyun entered, Chen Mobai felt his Pure Yang True Qi become slightly more active than usual. Combined with Hong He's identity, he already guessed that this person in front of him must also be a demonic cultivator. However, he didn't know what secret art she practiced, as under his spiritual sense, there were no flaws, and he couldn't detect even a trace of demonic energy. Yet Chen Mobai trusted his Pure Yang Scripture, for this Deity Transformation cultivation method, while not very useful in other aspects, was the absolute best against demonic forces.

But soon, Chen Mobai discovered something else. Besides his Pure Yang True Qi, the Millstone of Annihilation, which had somehow integrated into his mind and spirit, also surfaced at this moment. One of the three thousand demonic paths on the Millstone of Annihilation, facing Du Mengyun, suddenly lit up. This greatly puzzled Chen Mobai. After all, Hong He was also a demonic cultivator, so why didn't the Millstone of Annihilation react to him? Was it looking down on Hong He? Probably so.

As Chen Mobai pondered, a mysterious light shone from the illuminated side of the Millstone of Annihilation and merged into his mind and spirit. Unsurpassed Heart Devil! One of the Three Thousand Demonic Paths, once mastered, it allows one to transform into myriad avatars, manipulate heart devils, and possess bodies. Although it was just a simple phrase, Chen Mobai quickly thought of the Incarnation Demonic Sect, which had caused a great calamity in the Tianhe Realm. Thirty thousand years ago, an Unsurpassed True Demon from beyond the realm descended, splitting into thousands of heart devils, with possessed avatars in almost every sacred sect. Once possessed by a heart devil, everything about the avatar would be controlled by the original Unsurpassed Heart Devil.

Among the Three Thousand Demonic Paths, the Unsurpassed Heart Devil spell, though not known for its powerful attack capabilities, was the most insidious and unpredictable, making it impossible to guard against. This was because, regardless of whether one cultivated the righteous or demonic path, hidden heart devils existed within them throughout their cultivation journey. Against the erosion of heart devils, spiritual energy or divine sense were utterly useless; this was almost the most direct and true damage, and only specific magic treasures and a strong mind could resist it. In comparison, righteous cultivators had more steadfast minds, and when encountering heart devils, they could at least put up some resistance. Demonic cultivators, however, generally had cracks in their minds, making them more susceptible to the erosion of the Unsurpassed Heart Devil.

When that Unsurpassed True Demon from beyond the realm descended, it first quietly possessed and took over the bodies of all high-ranking demonic cultivators across the Five Continents. Only then did it slowly expand towards the righteous sacred lands, eventually growing so powerful that it used its avatars to ascend to the Spirit Void Immortal Realm, prompting powerful beings from the upper realm to directly alter the rules of the Tianhe Realm and force its true body out.

After reading the description of the Unsurpassed Heart Devil, Chen Mobai understood Du Mengyun's identity. She was clearly a member of the Incarnation Demonic Sect. Hong He was fortunate to have connected with this most mysterious demonic lineage. However, Chen Mobai soon recalled the Incarnation Demonic Sect's sinister nature. His heart tightened, fearing that the Five Elements Sect itself might have already been infiltrated by the Incarnation Demonic Sect. Thinking of this, murderous intent surged within him, and he was about to use the Extreme Yang Slash to reduce Du Mengyun to ashes.

However, at this very moment, the Millstone of Annihilation rotated again. The side representing the Primordial Heavenly Demon, which was already lit, suddenly had one of its lines light up and detach from its surface, landing on the side of the Unsurpassed Heart Devil. Subsequently, the faint glow of the Primordial Heavenly Demon's legacy, which had merged into Chen Mobai's mind, brightened, transforming into a mysterious and profound talisman within his Zifu Sea of Consciousness. Primordial Demonic Talisman! The name and function of this talisman quickly appeared in his mind, leaving him slightly stunned.

In the courtyard, seeing that Chen Mobai seemed to have accepted her fabricated excuse, Du Mengyun breathed a sigh of relief. She had already decided that if she could escape this predicament, she would immediately find a way to flee once Chen Mobai left Beiyuan City. Although Wen Buyue might pursue her, it was better than having her life dictated by others in Beiyuan City. It was not in her nature to entrust her life to the mercy of the person before her.

"However, your identities are special after all. To avoid any unexpected incidents, both of you should refine this talisman." But at this moment, Chen Mobai said these words. He really knew! Upon hearing this, Du Mengyun's heart immediately tightened. Chen Mobai didn't state it too explicitly, but it was clear that he had guessed she might be a demonic cultivator, probably by observing Hong He's cultivation of demonic arts. After all, Hong He's concealment abilities were certainly inferior to her cultivated Heart Devil Grand Art.

If he knew, why didn't he make a move? As Du Mengyun felt surprised and suspicious, Chen Mobai flicked his fingers, dispersing the Extreme Yang Slash. Then he opened his palms, and a faint, dark glow appeared on both, forming a hollow talisman condensed from mysterious dark light. This was the Primordial Demonic Talisman Chen Mobai had just acquired; its condensation was very simple, but for it to work, the other party's cooperative refinement was needed.

Du Mengyun hesitated, but Hong He directly reached out and took it. As his Devouring Sea Demonic Qi circulated within him, the moment it touched the hollow talisman, the talisman transformed into a faint light and entered his glabella, into his Zifu Sea of Consciousness. After Hong He refined the Primordial Demonic Talisman, another side of the Millstone of Annihilation in Chen Mobai's Sea of Consciousness faintly lit up, but ultimately dimmed. It seemed Hong He's cultivation level was not high enough to be deemed worthy by the Millstone of Annihilation.

"What's wrong, unwilling?" Chen Mobai saw Du Mengyun standing still, and said to her with a half-smile. The latter shivered and immediately reached out, refining the hollow talisman as well. However, Du Mengyun still played a trick; she used Sun Huangling's Great River spiritual energy, pretending not to understand Chen Mobai's implied meaning, so as not to expose her true demonic origins. Yet, as a talisman of the Primordial Heavenly Demon's legacy, how could it be so simple? The moment she refined it, it still transformed into a faint glow, forming a mysterious, dark mark on her glabella.

Du Mengyun felt bitter inside, yet still paid attention to various details. She noticed that the pattern on her glabella was different from Hong He's. She didn't know what this signified. But after refining the talisman, she felt an inexplicable connection to Chen Mobai, and an indescribable sense of awe vaguely arose within her towards him. Was it because her true body had been slain by him that she felt this way? Du Mengyun thought this, but deep down, she felt it might not be the case. After all, once she and Hong He had refined the talisman, Chen Mobai's subtle murderous intent had suddenly completely vanished. Even if there were further hidden dangers, as long as she survived, she would have time to deal with them in the future. She surely couldn't have been possessed by his heart devil, given that she was a descendant of the Incarnation Demonic Sect herself!

"The Sun family of Dongwu has currently established itself in Yaoguang Immortal City in the Barren Ruins. I will speak to Sun Huanglong about your situation; I believe he will grant me this favor. It's not good for you to be away from home for too long. From now on, leave Beiyuan City and go to Yaoguang Immortal City; it's better for a family to be reunited. Yaoguang Immortal City is close to the Eastern Barren Plateau, so cultivation resources won't be too scarce. From now on, you two should cultivate diligently..."

Because he didn't want to leave any direct traces of interaction with demonic cultivators, Chen Mobai's words were filled with implied meanings. But Du Mengyun and Hong He were both intelligent, understanding his implications immediately. It was clear that he didn't want these two demonic cultivators to remain in Beiyuan City. Although Chen Mobai had good relations with the Nine Heavens Demon Extermination Sect, he certainly needed to maintain his own pure reputation. Today, he had merely come to catch up with Hong He, a former sect disciple, and coincidentally encountered Du Mengyun, who was inhabiting Sun Huangling's body. Every word he spoke carefully avoided any mention of the demonic path.

Du Mengyun and Hong He were also very clear that if they dared to utter those two words (demonic path), Chen Mobai, for the sake of his own untainted reputation, would almost certainly turn hostile instantly and execute them on the spot.

"Yes, Sect Master Chen, my husband and I will leave Beiyuan City tomorrow morning and will not set foot in the Eastern Barrens again." After understanding Chen Mobai's meaning, Du Mengyun was the first to speak.

"Teachable youths!" Chen Mobai nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this, then transformed into a silver light and vanished from the courtyard.

Witnessing this, Du Mengyun sighed even deeper. She believed Chen Mobai had already achieved the Void Dharma Body of the Nascent Soul realm, meaning ordinary Tier 4 formations would be unable to trap him.

"Why didn't you warn me?" After confirming Chen Mobai was gone, Du Mengyun frowned and glared at Hong He beside her.

"Please forgive me, Senior Sister, I..." Hong He's Devouring Sea Demonic Art was still in Du Mengyun's possession, so he dared not offend her and could only admit his mistake first.

"Never mind, never mind. It's enough to have saved our lives. Pack your things; we'll leave tomorrow." Du Mengyun shook her head, dispirited. She pitied the Tier 4 house she had just bought in the center of Beiyuan City. She didn't intend to give it to the Sun family and decided to entrust Shen Shanqing with its sale, which would be a large sum of spirit stones.

The next morning, Chen Mobai received news that Du Mengyun and Hong He had left Beiyuan City together via a teleportation array. Standing atop Beiyuan Mountain, with a thought, a faint light ignited in his Sea of Consciousness, and the Millstone of Annihilation emerged. The legacy of the Primordial Heavenly Demon slowly circulated within his mind. He had originally thought he would only be able to comprehend this after reaching the Deity Transformation stage. He hadn't expected to glimpse its secrets prematurely, thanks to Sun Huangling, the inheritor of the Unsurpassed Heart Devil.

It turned out that this Primordial Heavenly Demon legacy was the method the Demonic Lord used to attempt reaching Tier 9! Among the Three Thousand Demonic Paths, only the Grand Dao of the Primordial Heavenly Demon could ascend to Tier 9. However, to fully achieve the Primordial Heavenly Demon state was extremely difficult, requiring the mastery of all other Grand Daos among the Three Thousand Demonic Paths. In other words, for the Primordial Heavenly Demon to reach perfection, all three thousand facets on the Millstone of Annihilation needed to be lit up. Only after all Three Thousand Demonic Paths were perfected could one become the Head of Heavenly Demons — the Tier 9 Primordial realm!

But even the former Demonic Lord had only managed to light up seventy-two facets on the Millstone of Annihilation. These were the Demonic Lord's Seventy-Two Forms, each equivalent to at least a Tier 7 Indestructible True Spirit, some even Tier 8. And this was the Demonic Lord's limit. This was because cultivating to Tier 7 required "Dao Integration." When the universe was formed, three thousand Grand Daos came into being. These Grand Daos represented the pinnacle of cultivation. The Demonic Lord's Three Thousand Demonic Paths, in another sense, were the Three Thousand Grand Daos. It was just that they were cultivated through the path of undying gods and demons; the paths were different, but the ultimate destination was the same.

Since the dawn of chaos and throughout the universe's history, many Grand Daos have already been occupied by powerful beings. For the Demonic Lord's Three Thousand Demonic Paths to reach completion, these powerful beings occupying the Grand Daos must be overthrown, allowing him to ascend one by one. To achieve all of this, annihilation was required! This was the very purpose of the Demonic Lord's existence. If the Demonic Lord could use the Millstone of Annihilation to destroy everything in the universe, then he would naturally be able to perfect the Three Thousand Demonic Paths and achieve the "Primordial" realm. Destroying the current universe, then using Tier 9 power to open up chaos, reshape earth, wind, water, and fire, and evolve the Three Thousand Grand Daos, becoming the origin of the universe, the source of all things and phenomena! It was precisely for this reason that the Demonic Lord named this realm "Primordial."

However, achieving this was incredibly difficult. Because it required annihilating all living beings. Yet, among the beings of the universe, there were Pure Yang Grand Cultivators whose divine abilities were not inferior to the Demonic Lord's. There were even rumors of individuals who transcended Pure Yang, forged their own methods of transcendence, and achieved supreme creation.

Chen Mobai didn't know why the Millstone of Annihilation would bestow the Primordial Heavenly Demon's legacy upon him. He was clearly a righteous Xuanmen cultivator. But this was a Tier 9 method! According to the records of the Pill Cauldron Sect, since the dawn of the universe, only Daoist Zixiao was explicitly recorded to have achieved transcendence and reached Tier 9. Although the Demonic Lord's path seemed destined for failure, this was still a Tier 9 legacy! Chen Mobai's current Pure Yang Scripture cultivation would at most reach the Tier 5 Deity Transformation stage. Even if he refined the Pill Cauldron Jade Tree, he would probably only reach Tier 6, and with good luck, he might obtain a Tier 7 legacy in the Purple Heaven Palace. This was still two major realms away from Tier 9!

Or perhaps, he could try to incorporate both. Chen Mobai had always been flexible with his standards. Moreover, after Du Mengyun refined the Primordial Demonic Talisman, his Primordial Heavenly Demon Art had effectively been initiated. This cultivation method, besides his own practice, could also assimilate the other two thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine demonic paths as resources, feeding them to the Primordial. After implanting the Primordial Demonic Talisman, Chen Mobai could, at will, absorb Du Mengyun and Hong He through the Millstone of Annihilation.

However, as a Tier 9 legacy, the Primordial Heavenly Demon certainly wouldn't consume just anything. A Core Formation demonic cultivator was like a grain of rice to the Primordial Heavenly Demon; consuming one would be like eating nothing at all. A Nascent Soul realm demonic cultivator, however, was like a peach-sized fruit, already enough to satisfy a craving and taste. If assimilated with the Primordial Heavenly Demon Art, the corresponding facet of the Millstone of Annihilation could condense it into a Demonic Seed. This seed could then either cultivate on its own or be implanted via the Primordial Demonic Talisman into another more promising demonic avatar, cultivating on his behalf.

This was Chen Mobai's requirement for Du Mengyun. At the very least, she had to help him condense a Demonic Seed. However, whether it would succeed or not, he needed to keep trying. As for Hong He, perhaps due to the low grade of his Devouring Sea Demonic Art, although verified by the Millstone of Annihilation as involving one of the Three Thousand Demonic Paths, it remained to be seen if he could find an opportunity to successfully evolve in the future.

And if he was lucky enough to cultivate a Deity Transformation demonic cultivator, that would be a grand feast for the Primordial Heavenly Demon, a truly satisfying meal. Once the Millstone of Annihilation consumed it, Chen Mobai would completely grasp its cultivation, meaning he would possess a demonic avatar at the Deity Transformation realm. Beyond that, there was Void Refinement, which would be a grand banquet. Every insight gained by a demonic avatar at this realm from its communion with the void would be fully bestowed upon the Primordial Heavenly Demon. No matter how much the avatar's cultivation improved, the Primordial Heavenly Demon's would increase identically. If an avatar broke through to Tier 7 while Chen Mobai himself was only Tier 6, he could even ride along and also upgrade to Tier 7.

However, each Grand Dao could only be occupied by one sentient being. During Dao Integration, if the Primordial Heavenly Demon and its avatar's true spirit integrated with the Dao simultaneously, it would inevitably trigger a great change in heaven and earth. This moment would also be the avatar's only chance to break free from the Primordial Heavenly Demon's control. If the Primordial Heavenly Demon failed to contend with the avatar, it would instead be completely devoured by the avatar. This was also a critical tribulation in the Primordial Heavenly Demon Grand Art. For an existence like the Demonic Lord, who was at Tier 8, this so-called tribulation would naturally be like walking on flat ground.

After Tier 7, the practice of the Primordial Heavenly Demon Art involved assimilating and refining one Grand Dao after another. If an avatar implanted with the Primordial Demonic Talisman successfully integrated with a Dao, that Grand Dao would become demonically tainted. This process, when consumed by the Millstone of Annihilation, was akin to a grand feast. This was how the Demonic Lord's Seventy-Two Forms came to be. As for the Tier 8 and Tier 9 contents of the Primordial Heavenly Demon's legacy, Chen Mobai's cultivation was likely insufficient to fully perceive them. However, even the preceding information made his heart pound with excitement.

Tier 9! Primordial! Annihilation! Clang! Clang! Clang! At this moment, a deep, resonant chime echoed within Chen Mobai's Sea of Consciousness, rousing him from his greed and delusions. "Close call, I almost developed a heart devil!" After being startled awake by his natal artifact, the Morning Bell, Chen Mobai sensed his Zifu Sea of Consciousness, which was nearly half-occupied by the Millstone of Annihilation, and was greatly alarmed.

He immediately activated the Phoenix Facing the Sun Diagram, then manifested his second Nascent Soul, continuously ringing the Morning Bell to cleanse the heart devils from his Sea of Consciousness. Simultaneously, his own Nascent Soul continuously circulated the Pure Yang Scripture, pushing his Pure Yang True Qi to its extreme throughout his entire body. It could only be said that the Pure Yang Scripture truly lived up to its reputation as the Immortal Sect's foremost demon-refining cultivation method, passed down by Daoist Zixiao. Under the ripples of the Morning Bell and the Pure Yang True Qi, the Millstone of Annihilation gradually began to retract, shrinking into a tiny speck, hovering at the edge of his Zifu Sea of Consciousness.

But by this time, Chen Mobai was no longer able to make it disappear. Or rather, he had been unable to shake off this Millstone of Annihilation ever since he comprehended the Dao from the Immortal Earth Spirit Root on the Earthly Yuan Star. He could only guard his own mind and not be swayed by it. Three days and three nights later, Chen Mobai confirmed he was fine and opened his eyes. He still decided to continue on the Grand Dao of the Pure Yang Scripture. After all, his efforts over the past century had all been invested in this path, and he was nearly at the Deity Transformation stage; the sunk cost was simply too great.

He certainly couldn't switch to cultivating the Primordial Heavenly Demon's legacy just because it could reach Tier 9, not at this crucial juncture. Even if he were to fall into the demonic path, it would have to be when his cultivation realm truly couldn't break through any further. For now, his path ahead was smooth, so he definitely needed to proceed first. Perhaps with good luck, he might even obtain Daoist Zixiao's Tier 9 transcendence and creation method in the Purple Heaven Palace! If he could walk the righteous Xuanmen path, it would surely be glorious.

With his thoughts clear, Chen Mobai's heart devils immediately vanished.

"Did you gain any insights? I saw you sitting here for three days and three nights." At this moment, Qing Nu's voice sounded in Chen Mobai's ear. She had finished checking the accounts. After a period of reorganization, everyone in the Danxia Pavilion was now very obedient, which greatly pleased her. As for Xiaonanshan Shop, since Liu Wenbai had always managed it, Qing Nu only briefly reviewed it and closed the books when there were no major issues.

Upon returning, she saw Chen Mobai in a state resembling enlightenment, with Pure Yang True Qi flowing throughout his body, his skin rosy, and a faint, deep bell chime vaguely audible from his seven orifices, which greatly piqued Qing Nu's curiosity.

"I comprehended a crucial point for my future cultivation path, which might guide me to break through realms beyond Deity Transformation..." Chen Mobai didn't elaborate but also didn't lie to Qing Nu. Upon hearing this, she looked at him with admiration.

"It seems your Deity Transformation is guaranteed. The reason you're waiting for those resources is to ensure stability, right? If only I had your talent and comprehension." Chen Mobai chuckled awkwardly upon hearing this, then immediately changed the subject, asking her when she planned to form her Nascent Soul.

"After dealing with matters here, I'll return to secluded cultivation. However, I might need to refine my spiritual energy and also consume Purple Spirit Pills and Azure Nether Cold Water in advance to enhance my spiritual sense, so it might take several years." Qing Nu spoke of her arrangements. She had access to download and review all Nascent Soul formation experiences from the Immortal Gate, so long ago, she had formulated her own Nascent Soul formation plan based on her situation and available resources. By now, it was fully perfected. All that remained was practical application.

"I'll escort you back to Huanglong Cave Abode." Chen Mobai said, because Du Mengyun, a demonic cultivator, had just been discovered in Beiyuan City, he was concerned that many other demonic cultivators might have infiltrated, and he intended to investigate thoroughly. It wasn't that he discriminated against demonic cultivators. If they lived normally in Beiyuan City, had bought property, committed no evil deeds after entering the city, and paid taxes regularly, Chen Mobai would be willing to give them a chance to reform. Perhaps with good fortune, once cultivated, they could become one of the Three Thousand Demonic Avatars. But before that, he still needed to send Qing Nu back first. After all, her Nascent Soul formation was the top priority.

However, just as the two of them were preparing to leave, E Yun sent a message via the Tongtian Instrument. This caused Qing Nu a slight delay of two days.

In the main hall of Beiyuan City, Chen Mobai and Qing Nu sat in the seats of honor, looking at the plainly dressed young boy and girl before them, and Chen Mobai couldn't help but ask, "Are you disciples of Yan Shaoyin?" E Yun stood to the side, handing a storage bag to Chen Mobai. Qing Nu recognized it as Yan Shaoyin's at a glance.

The young boy and girl before them were said to be from an island in the Mystic Sea. No one knew how Yan Shaoyin got there, but while at sea, his ship encountered a demonic beast and capsized. By extreme luck, severely injured and drifting, he arrived at Haixing Island, where the boy and girl resided. Yan Shaoyin, unconscious and floating on the sea, was discovered by local fishermen and taken back to be cared for, thus saving his life. However, Yan Shaoyin's injuries were so severe that even after consuming all the healing pills in his storage bag, he couldn't recover his cultivation realm or even mobilize his spiritual energy.

Therefore, Yan Shaoyin could only spend the rest of his life on Haixing Island. Unable to venture out to sea, he lived on the island as a physician. On the island, Yan Shaoyin discovered that the fisherman who saved him had a son and daughter with spiritual roots, who were the very siblings standing before them. With thoughts of passing on his legacy and repaying kindness, he simply took them as disciples, teaching them the methods of immortal cultivation while also imparting the "Return to Heaven Pill Scripture," which he had pondered his entire life. After Yan Shaoyin passed away, these siblings followed his instructions, cremated him, and then, with a simple sea chart, journeyed across the ocean to the Eastern Continent.

Ultimately, with great luck, after landing in Dongyi, they inquired about the Five Elements Sect all along the way and were sent by kind cultivators to Panghuang Mountain on the coast. Luo Yixuan happened to be stationed there. After learning about the situation, she dispatched a Foundation Establishment disciple to escort the siblings to Mingjing Immortal City, and from there, they traveled to this location via a teleportation array.

E Yun immediately informed Chen Mobai after learning of this matter.

"Yes. May I ask if you are the Danxia Goddess, Senior? My master asked me to give this to you." The darker-skinned boy was the elder brother; his original name was unpleasant, so Yan Shaoyin gave him the Daoist name Diaohai (Fishing Sea). His younger sister was Diaoyue (Fishing Moon). Qing Nu took the book Diaohai handed her. The four characters "Return to Heaven Pill Scripture" were on the cover. She opened it and read through it, nodding gently.

"It's Elder Yan's notes. Many of the contents were discussed with me, and quite a few parts are more refined than before." After receiving Qing Nu's confirmation, Chen Mobai nodded gently.

"Elder Yan cultivated many core talents for our Five Elements Sect's Alchemy Department and used his experience to improve the sect's alchemy system and tutorials. Now that he's gone, we must certainly take good care of his last two personal disciples..." As soon as Chen Mobai finished speaking, Qing Nu nodded repeatedly. Yan Shaoyin's contributions were indispensable for her to successfully establish the alchemy business and recruit sufficient personnel in the Eastern Barrens. Moreover, some of the alchemy textbooks for various academies were also helped by Yan Shaoyin. After all, although Qing Nu's alchemy skills were superb, the content from the Immortal Gate was simply too advanced and needed localization. Chen Mobai had Jiang Zongheng's help, while Qing Nu had Yan Shaoyin's assistance.

"Alright, Sect Master. Should we allow them to directly enter the sect?" Seeing Chen Mobai's and Qing Nu's stances, E Yun immediately began making arrangements.

"Let them enter the Longevity Academy first to learn the basics." Chen Mobai, however, shook his head. He could tell at a glance that the siblings before him only possessed the lowest-grade four-spirit roots. Even with Yan Shaoyin's connection, it wouldn't do to disrupt the sect's current elite-focused policy.