Chapter 808: Chapter 30: Sumeru, Thunder Marsh
Everything was completed in that instant.
With the remaining eighteen Xuanyuan Sword Fragments, Zhou Yan only managed to combine a few lines of runes from the 72 Transformations, and then he was exhausted, unable to sustain it.
In the midst of this process, suddenly with a ’puff,’ the bamboo slip shattered, turning into a cloud of dust, drifting in the Void.
Finally, like dust settling, it transformed into specks of dust, becoming part of the ancient land.
Through this small portion of combination, Zhou Yan comprehended the divine entry level of the 72 Transformations with thirty-six elements, grasped the essence of eighteen changes, and integrated it into the Xingyi Supreme Dao, instantly elevating Xingyi Supreme Dao from entry-level to mastery and even to a minor completion.
At this time, if the Xingyi Transformation Dao were to be executed again, Zhou Yan could deceive others effortlessly without the aid of Killing Spirit Divine Dao.
"Unexpectedly, the 72 Transformations are indeed here. However, I have not gathered all one hundred and eight fragments, so I cannot learn them fully. Once mastered fully, the Xingyi Sword Dao will achieve Great Perfection, and by combining the corresponding 72 Transformations, I will directly possess the ability of Immortal, which is almost eternal."
"However, in my Soul Sea, the Thunderbolt Soul-breaking Stone is nurturing a Divine Monkey, but why does it resemble the mythological ’Monkey King’? This is extremely strange."
"Perhaps, the birthing of Heaven and Earth Dao always accompanies the birth of Heaven and Earth Divine Spirit Soul Bodies? I merely have similar methods, so similar circumstances occur within me? Just like similar environments create similar talents? Perhaps this is the most logical explanation."
"The westward journey eventually became legend, the Heavenly Road is already broken, tomorrow the path of teaching will begin, coincidentally there are thirty-six Dao, of which I can select a few to merge with the Dao Sheng Yi method and impart them to others."
"With the Heavenly Road broken, this world does not require my involvement. I will directly endure the Ninth Layer Sword Tribulation, break through the Sword Ancestor Realm to become a Sword God, shatter the Heavenly Pivot Ancient Town, and return to the Sword Burial Ancestor Star."
"Returning to the Earth Ancestral Land, considering the time of the cosmic starry sky... I have been in a deep sleep in space for two years. Previously for over twenty years, countless years had passed on the Sword Burial Ancestor Star. Two years later, who knows whether everything will still be the same when I return."
Contemplating, Zhou Yan quickly arranged all his affairs and then bowed deeply to this ancient Forbidden Land again before turning to leave.
But in the instant of turning, Zhou Yan was immediately struck by a chill, because behind him, there was a black-clothed youth standing like a ghost, watching him.
Zhou Yan could not see the person’s face, but the specter-like figure made him feel cold and gave him goosebumps.
"Emperor Qi is not Emperor Qi, it turns into a maddening dragon. Luo Fei’s heart is unsettled, Da Yi’s courage cherished."
"Emperor Jun’s Divine Bow kills, Primordial all times together, anger for Heaven and Earth’s justice, River Map Nine Cauldrons revered."
"From here, carry the Luo Book River Map, enter the Heavenly Pool Thunder Marsh, endure the myriad transformation Immortal Tribulation. Remember."
The voice of the black-clad youth was ancient and immortal, carrying frightening power, like thunderous sea roars, echoing in Zhou Yan’s heart.
Zhou Yan froze, instantly recalling the myth of Fu Xi’s daughter ’Mi Fei’, the tale between Jiu Long, Feng Yi, and Da Yi.
The ancient words of the black-clothed youth described Luo Fei’s dissatisfaction with Feng Yi’s peaceful marital life and her departure from the Luo River, where she encountered Da Yi and was enchanted by his godly demeanor, thus turning to embrace him. Feng Yi, in his fury, transformed into a maddening dragon but was met with Da Yi’s Divine Bow, which annihilated his eyes, while Luo Fei remained unmoved.
Afterward, Feng Yi enraged, stirred the Luo River, causing the water to flood the world, bringing disaster to all. At that time, Heaven and Earth summoned King Yu, who suppressed the flood with the Shennong Nine Tripods and other treasures, leading to Feng Yi’s condemnation by all, while King Yu was admired by the masses.
Zhou Yan fixed his gaze on the faceless black-clothed youth, speculating about his identity.
Is it Feng Yi? That person who is a son-in-law of Emperor Fu Xi’s daughter, disfavored by Emperor Fu Xi and suppressed?
Zhou Yan speculated for a fleeting moment but felt his heart grow cold, and his speculation dissipated instantly, for the words following from the black-clothed youth made Zhou Yan understand that his path of cultivation had received true counsel.
As for the identity of the other party, since he was unwilling to reveal his face, further deduction would be disrespectful.
Thus, Zhou Yan completely restrained his speculative thoughts.
"Thank you, senior."
Zhou Yan bowed deeply and respectfully said.
But after a bow, the black-clothed youth had already vanished, truly coming without a trace, departing without a shadow.
Zhou Yan was aghast, yet knew that this was indeed a Great Power.
With Zhou Yan’s insight, he could deduce that even beneath the endless expanse of the Heavenly Pivot Ancient Town, this person’s prowess matched that of a Sword God or even a Sword Venerate.
As to exact details, Zhou Yan could not conclude.
Standing even from Lei Yan King’s perspective, possessing the Eye of Destruction and Nine Orifice Exquisite Heart, Zhou Yan still could not accurately estimate.
"River Map Luo Shu was used by King Yu and reside within the Shennong Tripod. The Shennong Tripod is a set of composite Divine Weapons, consisting of nine parts, named the Nine Cauldrons."
"To obtain the River Map Luo Shu, only then can I access the Ancient Thunder Marsh. Legend has it that Fu Xi was born from Hua Xushi, who carried the Emperor Embryo within the Thunder Marsh."
"Ancient texts record: Hua Xushi trod the Thunder Marsh to birth Fu Xi, Shun fished at Thunder Marsh, and so it was. Fu Xi is venerated in both the Orient of the Earth Ancestral Land and China, and Emperor Shun is a Holy Ancestor who guided Chinese ancestors from savagery to a civilized state, closely tied to the Thunder Marsh."
"This black-robed Ancestor has instructed me to go to the Ancient Thunder Marsh... he entrusted me the River Map Luo Shu, possessing the ability to orchestrate heavens and earth, thereby allowing entry into that domain. Does he hope that I can achieve accomplishments like Fu Xi and Emperor Shun, or does he encourage me to observe the Ancient Supreme Dao and instantly attain the Sword God Realm?"
Zhou Yan pondered.
The path has been set, all that’s needed is to move forward.
To obtain the Nine Cauldrons, one must inevitably clash with the Pure Yang Sect.
The Pure Yang Sect only has one cauldron, yet the Western Great Sect is already eyeing it fiercely.
What the Western Great Sect covets is also related to Feng Yunxi and the Mechanical Clan.
After analyzing, Zhou Yan thought that this path might not be so easy to tread.
He pondered, and after clarifying all the key points, he directly locked onto the void node, opened the void gate where the Fu Xi Zither goes in and out, left this place, and entered the mountain peak of the Shushan Taoist Sect.
At this moment, after Zhou Yan left, a man dressed in black appeared in the void again. He slightly applied an ancient divine power with his hand towards below, and this ancient land quickly changed, as if a world had been shrunk, transformed into a white light, and merged into the palm of his hand.
Here, the mountains remained, yet the ancient houses and cottages were gone, leaving only an ancient, deathly silent cave abode, with two ancient characters engraved above it—’Sumeru’.
...
The sun was bright, flowers were in full bloom, Clear Spring burbled, and ships vied to flow.
Even if the outside world was in the midst of winter, where frost covered the four fields and snow was white everywhere, this place remained as spring throughout the year.
The Immortal Pool of Kunlun was also a small world, a truly excellent immortal land.
However, this place was usually not open, because the depletion from the Land of Dharma Decline could devour the energy of this world, causing this final immortal land to gradually wither.
Now, the place had been opened, and cultivators came in an endless stream, densely packed like clouds, bustling, and extremely abundant.
"The Dao lecture at the Immortal Pool, I don’t know the specifics of it this time, but I heard that Daoist Zhou Yan is an outer realm genius who can comprehend the Supreme Dao of the void for eternity."
A cultivator said softly.
Similar words were spoken not only by one cultivator but were also whispered among many gathered cultivators.
"To come from outer realms, one must have the strength. Without strength, it would be impossible to transcend the first cosmic speed and escape Earth’s gravitational orbit."
"Indeed, for this Dao lecture, I intend to fully record it with equipment and create a video to watch and comprehend day and night. For this, I purposely went to the secular world to buy a high-definition video camera."
"I’m inclined to do the same, considering my limited talent, I have to rely on these technological items developed by mortals."
"I wonder how charming Fellow Daoist Zhou Yan is. If I could dual cultivate with him, I could save hundreds of years of effort."
"You, this little fox, are dreaming. Do you think he would fancy us? Let alone, we are of the Demon Race, and his return from the outer realm surely comes with unparalleled insights, we probably don’t even compare to natives."
"Hmph! You just know how to belittle me!"
"It’s not belittling you, you’re just too naive, little fox."
...
Various chaotic discussions arose and fell, and this time, not only orthodox Taoists came, but monks, believers, some Western missionaries, and even rare bloodlines of ancient Wanling Race appeared.
Zhou Yan stood beside Hua Qiudao, at this time everything couldn’t escape his sensing, and among those with the intention of becoming his Daoist couple were not only female human cultivators but also nuns, fox demons, and even Western female believers.
For a moment, Zhou Yan sensed so many chaotic thoughts that even his formidable mind was almost dumbfounded.
"Lee Ran prev... uh, Fellow Daoist Zhou Yan, the Kunlun Immortal is here..."
Hua Qiudao whispered.
The owner of the Immortal Pool, the leader of Kunlun is an extraordinary woman, possessing the Heart of Supreme Tao, wholeheartedly pursuing the Dao. Although her constitution is ordinary, her will is strong, and thus she achieved cultivation in the Void Realm, becoming the Master of Kunlun.
Dressed in an elegant white ancient robe, she gently approached, bowed, and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou Yan, everything has been arranged for, the cultivators have mostly gathered, and nearly all important figures from the eight ancient immortal lands have also arrived. Please, Fellow Daoist Zhou Yan, proceed to the Divine Platform of the Jade Void Immortal Pool for the Dao lecture."
"Hmm, I appreciate your efforts, Kunlun Immortal."
Zhou Yan said gently.
"It’s nothing, Fellow Daoist Zhou Yan. After the Dao lecture, I heard from Fellow Taoist Hua Qiudao that you plan to leave this world? May I request, if it’s possible, for you to take my little sister with you when you leave? If you don’t mind, my little sister sincerely wishes to be accepted as a disciple."
The Kunlun Immortal said with great respect.
Her words were soft, yet carried an unspoken persistence.
In her clear and bright eyes, a strong desire for the Cultivation Path was evident. This yearning gaze stirred something within Zhou Yan, making him somewhat reluctant to reject.