Chapter 1499: Hope for Yaoyao's Resurrection

In the mountains, there was one new grave and several old ones. Around them, the bamboo forest swayed in the wind, its slender leaves rustling together. This sight, against the new grave, old earth, and the setting sun, cast a melancholic atmosphere.

Chu Feng quickly dug open the new grave. There was no coffin inside, only an emaciated old man. Yu Shang, despite his extraordinary background and the prominent status he should have held, now lay in the yellow earth, without even a coffin prepared for himself. He showed no signs of life, like a corpse, his face sallow, lying motionless.

Chu Feng gently lifted him out, feeling a pang of sorrow. How could a family with the Heavenly Emperor's blood flowing through their veins come to such a desolate end? Yu Shang's life had been one of profound loneliness. His three exceptionally talented children were all killed by the Yuan clan. Powerless to exact revenge, he had wasted his life in immense, unimaginable pain. He had long since lost all attachment to this world, burying himself in the yellow earth even before his physical death. There is no greater sorrow than a heart that has died.

Chu Feng called out softly, hoping to revive him. He was incredibly weak, no different from a dead man, his body cold, smelling of earth and decaying leaves. After a long time, Yu Shang weakly opened his eyes. They were cloudy and vacant. His lips were parched; he opened and closed them repeatedly but no sound emerged.

“Senior, everything will be alright. You can’t be so despondent; you need to pull yourself together!” Chu Feng said. As he spoke, he quickly acted, taking out a soul herb from a jade box on his person. He plucked off a small piece of a leaf, and immediately, soul-substance overflowed, shimmering with sacred particles, truly splendid. This was an excellent item; if it were to appear in the outside world, many would covet it.

Chu Feng placed the translucent, almost dissolving leaf into Yu Shang’s mouth and helped him refine it. A fresh surge of vitality spread throughout his body from his mouth. The effect was immediate. Instantly, many light particles appeared within Yu Shang, integrating into his withered spirit, causing it to emit a faint glow. Yu Shang had been like a living dead man these past few days, his spirit on the verge of dissipation, his final soul-light source extremely dim. Now, receiving nourishment, it was like adding kindling to a dying fire, causing it to quickly blaze and shine once more.

At the same time, Chu Feng guided energy particles from heaven and earth into Yu Shang’s body to nourish his physical form. His condition was dire; his spirit was parched, and his body was near death. The soul herb's medicinal properties were astonishing. After more than half of it was consumed, Yu Shang became more alert, looking at Chu Feng with a slight daze, confusion, and a faraway expression.

“You... why are you here?” He was still somewhat muddled. Hadn’t he died? How was he seeing Cao De, or rather, Chu Feng? During the Three-Party Battlefield, he had given Chu Feng the marks left by the Heavenly Emperor's clan, and Chu Feng, naturally, had held nothing back, revealing his own background to him.

“Senior, how can you be so utterly devoid of fighting spirit? You haven't even seen your descendant Yaoyao, nor have you witnessed the Yuan clan's destruction, yet you’ve buried yourself. This is wrong!” Chu Feng was very serious. If a person lost their spirit and vitality, even if they were to live, they would be no more than a walking corpse. What future could there be?

Upon hearing 'Yuan clan,' Yu Shang's purplish, cracked lips trembled. He opened and closed them repeatedly before finally letting out a low growl. He harbored hatred, but also immense powerlessness. His entire life had been suppressed and filled with pain, yet he was truly incapable of avenging his three children.

“I can avenge you. Just watch, and wait!” Chu Feng declared, his voice fervent and domineering. That confidence was not mere talk; it carried an unparalleled infectiousness. His entire body radiated brilliant light beams, his Twin Constant King Dao Fruit clearly manifest.

“Are you... a Heavenly Venerate now?” Yu Shang asked in surprise.

“Not exactly, but I’m stronger. I’ve already killed several Heavenly Venerates,” Chu Feng replied. He knew that Yu Shang, having buried himself underground to await death, was isolated from the outside world and unaware of recent events.

Upon learning that Chu Feng possessed the Twin Constant King Dao Fruit, Yu Shang was genuinely shocked. Then, a fervent light shone in his eyes; he saw hope. For a young man to achieve so much in such a short period of cultivation was simply unheard of throughout history. At the very least, in this era, it was a rare exception, if not unprecedented. If this young man were given more time to ascend to the Grandmaster domain and step into the Grand-Cosmic level, then avenging him and confronting the Yuan clan would no longer be daunting.

Then, Yu Shang’s eyes dimmed again. How much longer could he live? Although the great medicine he had taken was astonishing, it could at most extend his life by only a few years.

“Senior, don’t worry. As I said, I can save you. Even the Underworld will have to ask for my permission if they want to take you,” Chu Feng said with great confidence. He had Yu Shang consume an entire soul herb to nourish his spirit. Instantly, Yu Shang felt like a flame flickering within him, gradually brightening.

Regarding immortality, the biggest challenge vexing cultivators was always the spiritual aspect. A person's physical body could be tempered through various means, such as the elusive immortal particles in heaven and earth, and various energy substances, allowing it to remain 'evergreen.' However, the spirit was different. When a person grew very old, their spirit would wither, and soul-substance would become sparse, truly signaling their decline. Once the spirit and soul-light weakened, the cultivator's physical body would also gradually deteriorate, slowly wither, and their vital energy would diminish.

In this world, it was difficult to find a large amount of soul-substance that could be effectively utilized. Unless one slaughtered millions or tens of millions of living beings, vast quantities of soul-substance particles could not be obtained. However, normal cultivators could not bring themselves to do such a thing. Furthermore, various orthodoxies in the world would impose restrictions, not standing idly by while someone caused chaos. Therefore, since ancient times, any sect capable of cultivating soul medicine, like the Soul-Light Cave, was extraordinarily transcendent, standing above all other clans. This time, Chu Feng had plundered the Soul-Light Cave, so naturally, he could solve Yu Shang's problem.

Of course, this was only temporary. If soul medicine alone could save lives, then a group of people in the world would be able to achieve immortality and eternal existence. Different soul medicines could only extend life by a corresponding period; they could not solve the fundamental problem. Only by reaching the Grand-Cosmic level oneself, and finally resolving the 'unnameable' problem, could one truly attain immensely long lifespans.

Yu Shang's eyes widened. What had he just heard? The Soul-Light Cave's lair had been plundered by the young man before him?! This was utterly mythical. What had happened in the outside world during the days he had been buried? With one soul herb consumed, Yu Shang’s spirit improved significantly, and he was already able to sit up on his own.

“What’s a soul herb? I have a soul flower here too, Senior. Take your time refining it, there’s no rush. This will ensure you have ample lifespan, giving you time to advance into the Grandmaster domain. Your lifespan will naturally increase significantly as your strength grows,” Chu Feng said with great confidence. He knew that the old man primarily suffered from a deep-seated emotional knot, coupled with the Yuan clan's repeated attacks that had severely wounded him and caused major physical problems. Otherwise, with his foundation, he should have already advanced to the Grandmaster domain long ago. This time, Chu Feng had brought soul medicine, and additionally, a life-extending medicine extorted from the Dog King during his trip to the Soul River. Even the most enormous hidden dangers could be resolved with these.

“So, Senior, rest assured and recuperate!” Chu Feng smiled. Then, he took out another jade box. Upon opening it, a rich golden light, like shimmering dawn rays, burst forth, revealing a bowl-sized flower within. A soul flower, an even more astonishing soul medicine!

Yu Shang was moved. At Chu Feng’s request, he plucked a golden-hued petal, which shed brilliant light rain, and placed it into his mouth. Instantly, his body emanated a rosy glow, and a vast amount of soul-substance surged within him. This was undoubtedly fortifying his soul! Chu Feng hurried to help, as the old man was still somewhat weak, having been on the verge of death. After absorbing a petal as brilliant as the sun, Yu Shang's spirit and vitality were fully restored. He was certain that if he consumed the entire flower, he would possess abundant soul power.

Beside them, the silver old turtle, Jun Tuo, stared wide-eyed, wanting to swallow. To be able to acquire such heaven-defying great medicine, this 'trafficker' must have committed some heinous act that angered both heaven and man to swindle such divine medicine.

“Senior, you see, I came in a hurry and didn’t have time to bring any other gifts, so I just bought a spirit turtle to help you recuperate,” Chu Feng said with a smile. Ancient Saint Jun Tuo’s vision instantly went black, and his scalp tingled. What the hell, was he going to be stewed for soup? It knew it. This demon hadn’t killed it and had carried it along, so nothing good could come of it. Now, the dagger was revealed behind the scroll!

Yu Shang looked at Jun Tuo in surprise. The old turtle nearly peed itself, thinking it was really about to be eaten. After all, this elder had just been dug out of a grave and was quite weak, certainly needing a major boost.

“Please... spare me! I shouldn't die, I'm innocent!” Jun Tuo wailed. Yu Shang wanted to say that he had just revived and had no appetite, nor did he have any intention of eating a mountain turtle.

“You shut up!” Chu Feng said, glaring at Jun Tuo. The old turtle immediately shut up, not daring to resist. Silver light flowed around its body, indicating its true spiritual nature, but at that moment, it unceremoniously... let go. That's right, the old turtle had no shame; it completely looked like... it had peed itself!

Damn it! Chu Feng’s face instantly darkened. He wanted to punch it to death. Without a doubt, this old turtle was doing it on purpose, trying to be annoying and disgusting so no one would eat it. You were once an Ancient Saint of renown, gazing down upon Earth. And now... you peed yourself? Who are you trying to fool! Clearly, Jun Tuo had completely abandoned all dignity for the sake of survival, looking red-faced and agitated.

“It wants to speak,” Yu Shang said.

“Speak!” Chu Feng replied.

“Back then, I only killed one Saint from Earth, not two. The other one was just me boasting. And I killed that one only because he killed my brother. In the past, Earth wasn't entirely made up of good people either. It was once glorious and brilliant, but there were also those who oppressed cultivators from outside realms. I was merely...” Seeing Chu Feng’s face darken again, Ancient Saint Jun Tuo quickly swore to the heavens, even uttering dire curses like being struck by five bolts of thunder or dragged away by the Underworld in the dead of night.

“You stay over there and clean yourself!” Chu Feng ordered. Hearing this, Jun Tuo’s face turned green again. Clean itself? Was it going to be told to jump into the pot next? Chu Feng didn't want to bother with it anymore. This turtle... was too disgusting.

He then began helping Yu Shang refine the second petal, allowing his spirit and vitality to surpass their former peak, and even partially elevating his life essence!

“Senior, becoming a Grandmaster is within reach!” Chu Feng smiled.

“I never imagined I would see such a day,” Yu Shang sighed. His life had been fraught with twists of fate, filled with hardships and obstacles. An ordinary person would have gone mad and been unable to bear it. “I once used a wisp of residual energy from the Heavenly Emperor, relying on a kind of instinct to search for Yaoyao, whom you mentioned. I even wanted to enter the Lesser Netherworld.” In his final days, when his life was running out, Yu Shang had intended to enter the Lesser Netherworld. However, he ultimately discovered that a certain bloodline, a certain intuition, guided him to the Underworld Province instead. Upon arriving there, he became utterly disheartened and completely despaired.

The Underworld Province, it was rumored, was connected to the Greater Netherworld, serving as a gateway. And there was a saying that living beings in the Yang Realm could only enter the Greater Netherworld after death. So, was Yaoyao there? Therefore, Yu Shang’s heart grew dark. He returned in disappointment, and upon arriving here, his last shred of hope vanished. He buried himself prematurely to be with his children.

In the past, at the moment of their parting, a wisp of Emperor’s qi, hazy and indistinct, had gradually dissipated within Yu Shang, truly giving him a powerful intuition. And he ultimately reached such a conclusion? Chu Feng’s heart grew cold, but soon his eyes shone brightly again. He said, “Perhaps, this is precisely where hope lies!”

Yaoyao had originally fallen into the depths of the great abyss in the Lesser Netherworld. Chu Feng had despaired, always feeling it would be difficult to see her alive again. Even if he were to rescue her one day, he might only find a cold corpse. But now, there might be a turning point! Yaoyao fell into the great abyss—could that place be connected to... the Greater Netherworld? This wasn’t impossible; in fact, there seemed to be an inevitable connection! Long ago, some had speculated that the Lesser Netherworld was a buffer zone between the Greater Netherworld and the Yang Realm. If Yaoyao had indeed entered the Greater Netherworld from the great abyss, it would make sense!

Furthermore, Yaoyao’s physical body had already been submerged in the great abyss for many years. Her acquaintance and bond with Chu Feng were merely with a wisp of soul-light; she had lost her physical body in ancient times. She had defied Taiwu, battling upwards from a lower position, and ultimately fell into the great abyss. If she was not dead, she might be able to fully reintegrate with her physical body! Perhaps, this woman would experience a new lease on life because of this, truly revealing her unparalleled splendor as the foremost being under the starry sky!

“Senior, don’t worry. Entering the Greater Netherworld doesn’t mean one must commit suicide to become a soul entity. It’s just that ordinary people are not suited to the environment there. But Yaoyao and I both come from the Lesser Netherworld, so we should be able to adapt to the coldness of the Greater Netherworld and everything else there!” Chu Feng offered reassurance, and at the same time, a flicker of genuine hope ignited within his heart!

Among all the people he knew, if anyone possessed the greatest talent, it was undoubtedly Yaoyao. Unfortunately, she had been delayed; she lost her physical body in ancient times, and what remained wasn't even a full soul-light, but merely a wisp of fragmented, dying obsession. Now... the hope for her revival might truly have appeared!

Beside them, Ancient Saint Jun Tuo's lower body truly felt a certain chill again, nearly making him wet himself. Who was this old man in front of him? Yaoyao’s ancestor? This was absolutely... terrifying the turtle to death!

“Senior, please be merciful, don’t eat me! This old turtle knows Yaoyao; I can tell you about her past whenever you like. She truly is the greatest of all time, with unparalleled talent. If she hadn’t met with misfortune and been delayed back then, no one else would matter now. She would be unrivaled!” As it said this, it didn't forget to steal a glance at Chu Feng.

Chu Feng instantly wanted to kick it. What did it mean by that? The old turtle quickly explained, “No, I mean those old fogeys wouldn’t matter. If Yaoyao had entered the Yang Realm and cultivated for a long time, she might now be able to confront the old Ultimate!” However, he noticed Chu Feng’s face growing even darker. Chu Feng eyed it askance, wanting to say, 'I’ve never dared to directly confront and fight an old Ultimate. Are you implying that you still look down on me?' Ancient Saint Jun Tuo’s face turned green. He said, “You two are equally first!” Chu Feng didn't want to deal with it anymore. This turtle... was truly disgusting.

He kicked the old rascal aside, then forcefully drew a mark from deep within his glabella and abruptly infused it into Yu Shang’s body.

“You’re...” Yu Shang tried to resist, but he couldn't move. Chu Feng held him down, and he passively accepted the mysterious engraved mark. It was the Heavenly Emperor's mark that Yu Shang had once given to Chu Feng, now returned by Chu Feng. Chu Feng did this to instill a sense of responsibility in the old man; he had to live, otherwise, the elder would still lack fighting spirit. Moreover, this mark rightfully belonged to the Heavenly Emperor's descendant, and Chu Feng did not wish to possess it this way. Furthermore, he truly didn't need it. It concerned the hidden location of the Heavenly Emperor Cauldron and held a great secret, but Chu Feng had his stone jar and the golden runes on it, which were sufficient. Even if a thousand scriptures were laid before him, if he couldn't practice them, they would be useless. Besides, by returning it to Yu Shang, if the Emperor Cauldron were ever retrieved, Chu Feng might still be able to study it.

Yu Shang tried to say something, but Chu Feng stopped him, saying, “Senior, just keep it well. If not, you can give it to Yaoyao later!”

“Exactly, giving it to either of them is the same, no distinction!” Jun Tuo interjected opportunely. Chu Feng cast a glance at it, the only time he showed approval without his face darkening. The old turtle’s tense body instantly relaxed a bit. It thought to itself, 'This damned 'trafficker' nearly scared me to death. To think that I, Ancient Saint Jun Tuo, would one day have to live by the mood of Demon Chu. This old turtle wants to cry.'

The Heavenly Emperor's mark was very special, unfathomable, and unique. After leaving Chu Feng, all the records within its纹络 regarding the Emperor Cauldron, its hidden location, and so on, vanished from his memory, entering Yu Shang's body. This item could only be successfully transferred voluntarily; otherwise, it would explode, making it impossible for anyone to seize.

At this crucial moment, just as the mark was about to completely disappear into Yu Shang’s glabella, fluctuations came from afar. Someone was rapidly approaching, running wildly. Chu Feng exerted his final strength, pushing the entire mark into Yu Shang’s body. His eyes narrowed as he stared into the distance. The newcomers were clearly hostile; someone must have been guarding from afar, using special treasures to monitor this area!

“The Yuan clan!”

In an instant, Yu Shang’s expression changed. The old man, usually so kind, was now gritting his teeth, his face somewhat distorted, showing the intensity of his emotional turmoil. It was terrifying; energy permeated the air as those people rapidly closed in! Some were airborne, arriving with an oppressive aura. Others sprinted across the ground, stomping through the mountains, striding from one peak to another, causing peak after peak to explode and collapse! Recklessly, they roared forth, carrying energy that swept across the entire land, like a bursting mountain torrent or an ocean crashing against the heavens. Full of killing intent, they arrived nearby.

“You are truly courting death, daring to bully even the Heavenly Emperor’s descendant!” Chu Feng roared. Indeed, a surge of anger and a fiery passion burned within him. To what state had Elder Yu Shang’s clan fallen? They were descendants of the Heavenly Emperor, yet their plight was utterly tragic, and all of it was due to the Yuan clan. It was all because the Heavenly Emperor was rumored to have perished, to have vanished with time, which was why some dared to bully the Heavenly Emperor’s descendants. Heavenly Emperor was the highest honorific for a great meritorious figure. Even if that supreme expert had truly died, their descendants should not be treated this way! Where was justice? The Yuan clan’s actions were truly malicious and outrageous.

“Have you not received your clan’s orders? Have you not paid attention to external affairs? Do you not know that the Heavenly Emperor is still alive?!” Chu Feng demanded coldly. However, those people ignored him, closing in, still carrying boundless killing intent!

“Heh heh...” Chu Feng sneered. He had still been holding back, wanting to ask for some information, but this group turned out to have even stronger killing intent than him. They truly deserved to die.

After the New Year, I'll start working hard. Another chapter is almost finished.