Chapter 426: Five Thunders Divine Firmament Mansion

As a dao child of the Protector Courtyard and a cultivator from an immortal realm, Chen Yuanfu naturally did not recognize Kunyun at all; Kunyun's background was simply too low.

Fortunately, the [Comprehensive Records of Arrayed Immortals] documented the details of all immortal gate cultivators. Consulting it now, Chen Yuanfu quickly found Kunyun's information.

'A Qi Refinement First Layer who just broke through, cultivating heavenly yang wood.'

'A water qi dao lineage?'

Chen Yuanfu frowned deeply. Although he felt it was impossible for Kunyun to kill Hengxu with that level of strength, that final mention of a water qi dao lineage made him hesitate.

After all, it was water qi.

What if?

Thinking of this, he immediately attempted to deduce it again, yet no matter how the profound mechanisms on the [Comprehensive Records of Arrayed Immortals] shifted, he could not obtain a clear result.

No matter how he calculated, it only ever provided one answer: 'Kunyun is in secluded cultivation at the Immortal Gate?'

Seeing this, Chen Yuanfu grew even more suspicious. 'He must have used some sort of karma-concealing method, but as someone cultivating heavenly yang wood and practicing thunder arts—where would he get such means?'

Either it was a secret treasure bestowed by the water qi dao lineage.

Or... could it be that the Deity Transformation Realm's water qi dao child was fraudulently assuming his identity?

That shouldn't be the case. Before coming here, he had heard the True Monarch mention this person, who also seemed to have just reached Qi Refining. Looking at the timeframe, he probably hadn't even progressed as far as the Kunyun he had just divined.

In such a short amount of time, even with heaven-defying talent and a massive fortunate encounter, grasping a second qi manifestation would be the absolute limit. He would only be slightly stronger than Hengxu. What abilities could he possibly possess to leave Hengxu without even a chance to escape? ...In comparison, it would be more plausible to say that the water qi yin god, Yunlong, was the one who made the move.

"Forget it."

Chen Yuanfu quickly cast aside his suspicions and turned to look at the group of Qi Refining practitioners behind him. "There is no need to move together anymore. Scatter and seek out treasures on your own."

"While treasure hunting, keep an eye out for this person named Kunyun."

Chen Yuanfu detailed Kunyun's appearance and information from the [Comprehensive Records of Arrayed Immortals] one by one, saying, "If you spot this person, notify me immediately."

"Understood!"

In front of the [Shiyang Temple].

Wang Ping withdrew his gaze. [the gentleman should hide his implements at the right time] activated, instantly severing the line of sight that cascaded from [destiny] and locked onto him from the unseen void.

'Karmic calculation?'

Wang Ping did not pay it any mind; after all, no matter how the other party calculated, it would only point to Kunyun, who was currently in a closed-door death-seclusion inside the [Heavenly Craft Cave Abode].

In contrast, he cared more about his current gains. Following Hengxu's suppression, the Spiritual Treasure in his hand, the [Thirty-Six Thunder Tokens], was now in his grasp. A sudden burning and numbing sensation spread from his palm, as if what he held was not a Spiritual Treasure, but a blazing thunderbolt.

'What a fine Spiritual Treasure!'

Wang Ping was pleasantly surprised. He immediately channeled his dharma power and Divine Powers to forcefully refine it. Before long, this thunderbolt gradually submitted, opening its profound mysteries to him.

This treasure did not possess many profound mysteries—only two, but each possessed its own divine marvel.

The first was called [Descending Thunder]. As the name suggested, it could resonate with the [Five Thunders Divine Firmament Mansion] above and bestow the Orthodox Five Thunders Method, possessing the power to eradicate immortals, destroy demons, slaughter monsters, and execute evil.

The second was called [Dispatching Generals].

With this thunder token, one could mobilize the heroic spirit divine generals under the jurisdiction of the [Incense-Draped Hall]. They would arrive upon being summoned, obeying every command, and could even cross realms to invite great deities for assistance.

"It is indeed a formidable Spiritual Treasure, it's just a pity..." Wang Ping shook his head. It was a pity that times had changed. The Great Rebellion had already perished, and these two profound mysteries, which would have been endlessly advantageous during the era of the Great Rebellion, were of little use now.

Take the first one, [Descending Thunder], for example. After the [Five Thunders Divine Firmament Mansion] vanished alongside the [Heaven Defiance Palace], where would the Orthodox Five Thunders Method be bestowed from? As for [Dispatching Generals], there was even less need to explain. When the Great Rebellion fell, the numerous heroic spirit divine generals naturally died with it. Not a single trace remained, meaning there was no one left to dispatch.

Of course, Hengxu also knew this.

Thus, he cultivated heavenly yang wood, attempting to use thunder transformed from wood qi to fill the vacancy of the [Five Thunders]. There was indeed an effect; at the very least, it allowed the Spiritual Treasure's profound mysteries to be used.

But it definitely no longer possessed its former might.

However, the only thing that could be filled was [Descending Thunder]. There was absolutely no way to fill the gap for [Dispatching Generals]... Thinking of this, a sudden sense of déjà vu arose within Wang Ping.

'Heroic spirit divine generals...'

Judging from the description, why did it feel like they shared similarities with the water qi yin gods, or rather, that they were simply a Great Rebellion-modified version of the water qi yin gods?

This reminded him of the group of city gods he had once appointed using the [Ten Thousand Gods Terrestrial Chart]. Very clearly, the Human Yang Earth [Origin-Governing Battle-Axe-Wielding Fate-Governing Qi] also had yin god arts, and the Great Rebellion was equally skilled in this path. Yet, speaking of divine generals, the Protector Courtyard also seemed to be famous for producing strongmen and divine generals.

Since both belonged to earth qi, it was hard not to overthink it.

Perhaps it was the legacy of the Great Rebellion...

A realization dawned in Wang Ping's heart. When the Immortal Gate defeated the Great Rebellion back then, it was simultaneously a dao conflict between Qi Consumption and Qi Refining. The result was absolutely not as simple as victory or defeat.

It was more of an assimilation.

The victors swallowed everything from the losers, turning it into their own foundation.

'Looking at it from this angle, compared to the Immortal Gate of the Great Rebellion era, the Immortal Gate's development of the Immortal Dao today is likely much more far-reaching and far more powerful!'

After a moment of silence, Wang Ping took out the [Ever-Suppressing Six Harmonies Cauldron], then split off a strand of divine sense and cast it into the cauldron, dropping into the depths of the [Profound Nether Pot].

Very quickly, he saw Hengxu curled up inside the [Profound Nether Pot]. Though his consciousness remained somewhat clear, he was completely immobilized from head to toe. This dao child of the [Observing Eternity Realm] had exceptional temperament and willpower. He had not despaired and was still struggling to sense his divine sense and dharma power.

"Fellow Daoist Hengxu!"

Wang Ping called out affectionately.

Hengxu did not respond. He cast a complex look at Wang Ping. The previous obscuring effect had worn off, and he remembered exactly what he had done.

To be honest, just thinking about his previous self, practically drooling, made him want to slap his own face. Yet he also felt this was not a failure of his combat skills—it was a defeat beyond his control.

It wasn't that he was incapable; it was that water qi was too underhanded!

The [Observing Eternity Realm] had an ancient inheritance. He could actually guess that for Wang Ping to display his Divine Powers to this extent, he must have used a dao foundation verification technique.

'But the problem is, even if he used a dao foundation verification technique, just how many qi manifestations has this guy mastered? To deceive me to that extent, he would need at least four!'

But how long had he been cultivating?

Calculating it fully, the time he and this water qi dao child across from him had spent at the Qi Refining stage should be roughly the same. Yet he himself was still spinning his wheels on a single qi manifestation.

The other party had started directly with four.

Did he cheat?

The more Hengxu thought about it, the more alarmed he became. He even felt a slight urge to ask for guidance, but on second thought, he understood:

'It is the gift of destiny.'

'That's right, he is deeply mired in a life tribulation and doesn't have much time left. Under the influence of the life tribulation, encountering a few extra fortunate encounters to boost his cultivation is only natural. It won't last long anyway. He's probably already adopted a reckless attitude, waiting to cause a massive scene so he can have a grand funeral. That would make his life worthwhile.'

At this thought, Hengxu's will to live suddenly skyrocketed.

Wang Ping's days were numbered; he was about to die. But Hengxu had just reached Qi Refining! He had long years ahead to enjoy and a bright dao path. How could he be buried alongside a dying man?

As for the incense ties between the [Deity Transformation Realm] and the [Observing Eternity Realm]...

If it were anyone else, Hengxu figured he could still bring it up.

However, this Deity Transformation dao child joined halfway and happened to be a natural-born demonic path cultivator. He clearly recognized no kin or ties. Why would he care about incense ties?

Thinking of this, Hengxu finally couldn't help but speak, "Fellow Daoist of Deity Transformation..."

"I am Kunyun!" Wang Ping said with a serious face.

"...Fellow Daoist Kunyun." Hengxu gritted his teeth slightly. "I can hand over the intelligence I hold, but if I speak, will it buy my life?"

"Tell me first," Wang Ping said calmly.

Hengxu also knew that these demons never released the eagle until they saw the hare. After pondering for a moment, he whispered, "Does Fellow Daoist recognize the [Five Thunders Divine Firmament Mansion]?"

Wang Ping shook his head, gesturing for Hengxu to continue.

"The [Five Thunders Divine Firmament Mansion], as the name implies, consists of five thunder mansions established by the Great Rebellion. They control the five thunders, command the cultivators, perform their respective duties, and oversee the immortal affairs of the world."

"The five thunders are Heaven, Divine, Dragon, Water, and Shrine."

Hengxu spoke faintly, "Among them, [Heavenly Thunder] sits firmly at the top. It is proclaimed to assist the Human Emperor above and govern Yin and Yang below."

"This thunder's status is extremely momentous. When a divine lord issues this thunder token, it can overturn heaven and earth, shake the universe, stabilize the sun and moon, and save the world. Its supreme authority cannot be fully described."

"The thunder mansion corresponding to this thunder is called the [Yuxiao Palace]."

Hengxu didn't stop, continuing, "The [Divine Thunder] is next, proclaimed to execute transformations on behalf of heaven."

"This thunder is distributed evenly across the world. When a divine lord issues this thunder token, it can slaughter the disloyal, strike the unfilial, eradicate the unkind, and exterminate the unjust. Its profound punishments cannot be fully detailed."

"The thunder mansion corresponding to this thunder is called the [Shenxiao Courtyard]."

"As for the remaining three—[Dragon Thunder], [Water Thunder], and [Shrine Thunder]—there is no distinction of high or low rank between them. They merely possess different responsibilities, yet each also harbors profound might."

"The one presiding over [Dragon Thunder] is called the [Dushui Office]."

"This thunder governs relief from droughts and floods. When a divine lord issues this thunder token, there are gentle breezes to soothe anger and sweet rains to moisten the withered. It acts swiftly to save, answering every plea. Its heavenly grace cannot be fully praised."

"The [Water Thunder] thunder mansion is called the [Sutao Mansion]."

"This thunder rewards merit and punishes transgressions. When a divine lord issues this thunder token, it can cleanse evil filth, purge the waves, execute demons and slay monsters, and protect the common people. Its majestic virtue cannot be fully proclaimed."

"Lastly is the [Shrine Thunder]."

At this point, Hengxu's lips pulled slightly into a grin. "This thunder's ruler is called the [Incense-Draped Hall]."

"When individuals of fierce loyalty, patriotism, filial piety, and bravery issue this thunder token, it can capture mirage dragons, stir wind and rain, uproot forests and snap trees. Misfortune and blessing hinge upon its sacrifices. Its imperial majesty cannot be fully expressed."

Hearing this, Wang Ping couldn't help but ask, "Listening to your account, Fellow Daoist, it seems these five thunders are not under the jurisdiction of heavenly yang wood and the [Thunder Sound Universal Transformation Azure Thunder Qi]?"

"Indeed they are not."

Hengxu nodded slightly. "However, although these five thunders were not born from the qi of heaven and earth, they originated from an ultimate heavenly position. In terms of profundity, they do not lack in the slightest."

"An ultimate heavenly position?"

"Correct... That ultimate position is called [Thunder-Water Deliverance]."

Rumble!

In an instant, Hengxu's voice seemed to trigger a profound resonance, causing blinding white thunderlight to abruptly erupt within the dark space of the [Profound Nether Pot].

The seal wavered.

Seizing this opportunity, Hengxu desperately tried to sense a wisp of divine sense to activate the divine talisman in his sea of consciousness. However, right at the moment he was about to succeed—Bang!

Outside the [Profound Nether Pot], the [Ever-Suppressing Six Harmonies Cauldron] vibrated slightly, completely suppressing all anomalies once more. With a thud, Hengxu collapsed to the ground.

Seeing this, Wang Ping helped him up with a half-smile. "Why must Fellow Daoist perform such a grand gesture of respect?"

"...The floor was too slippery."

Hengxu was also thick-skinned. Without changing his expression, he said, "I was just speaking of [Thunder-Water Deliverance]... Yes, the True Monarch who held this position was once a close friend of the Human Emperor."

"He was called the [Heavenly Banner Pardoning True Monarch]."

After speaking, Hengxu cast another glance around. However, even after speaking the True Monarch's title, the sealed space remained perfectly calm, deeply disappointing him.

Left with no choice, he had to continue, "This True Monarch was once an ancient cultivation Dao Lord. Later, he transitioned to cultivating true nature and obtained the ultimate position of [Thunder-Water Deliverance]. By resonating his own dao lineage with the ultimate heavenly position, he gave birth to these five thunders and established the [Five Thunders Divine Firmament Mansion]. His dao lineage was prominent for an era."

Wang Ping nodded slightly.

Wang Ping was still very interested in these hidden secrets. After all, the [Heaven Defiance Palace] was about to enter the world. The more he knew, the greater the help it would be in the future.

"But Fellow Daoist has yet to mention what exact fortunate encounter exists in the main hall of the [Incense-Draped Hall] that would make you willing to brave bizarre dangers and come here alone to seek it."

"...It is a supreme treasure."

Knowing he couldn't avoid this, Hengxu opened up, "The True Monarch resonated with the Heavenly Dao and could not attend to everything personally. Therefore, after establishing the [Five Thunders Divine Firmament Mansion], he left behind a supreme treasure for each of the five thunder mansions."

"[Heavenly Duke Immortal-Decreeing Banner], [Profound Punishment Thunder Sound Drum]."

"[Cloud-Moving Rain-Bestowing Whip], [Profound-Purging Evil-Slaying Axe]."

"[Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead]."

Hengxu said deeply, "Banner, drum, whip, axe, arrow. Among them, the supreme treasure within the [Incense-Draped Hall] is the [Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead], which represents the arrow."

"I carefully reviewed the dao scriptures within my realm."

"However, regarding this supreme treasure, even the historical dao scriptures of the realm only contain a brief one-sentence description: [The Duke used it to shoot a falcon, in order to resolve the rebellion]."

"This is an accomplishment."

Hengxu further deepened his tone. "The so-called Duke refers to the [Heavenly Banner Pardoning True Monarch]. He held the arrow and shot the falcon, thus resolving the rebellion and restoring peace."

"He even used this to prove [Thunder-Water Deliverance]!"

"Unfortunately, the specific events of this accomplishment are no longer known to anyone. It is unknown what exactly that 'falcon' he shot down was, and there is nowhere to investigate it."

"Regardless, the [Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead] is viewed as that True Monarch's dao-proving artifact. Its karma is incredibly heavy. It possesses the ability to resolve absurd rebellions, eradicate filthy chaos, and pacify the world. Hence, it is also known as the [Pinnacle of Deliverance]. Rumor has it that the master of the [Incense-Draped Hall] even used this arrow to slay a True Person of the Immortal Gate!"

Wang Ping's heart pounded with excitement as he listened.

But soon after, he reacted and frowned. "A supreme treasure is a supreme treasure, but it shouldn't be of any use to you, Fellow Daoist. After all, it's a bit too precious."

An innocent man incurs guilt just by carrying a jade ring!

With Hengxu's cultivation level, how could he wield a True Monarch's dao-proving artifact? Even if he grabbed it, it would be seeking his own path to death. There had to be the intent of a higher cultivator behind this.

Hearing this, Hengxu also nodded. "Seeking this arrow... is for the True Monarch of my family. This arrow can resolve rebellion and chaos, and back then, my family's True Monarch was injured by the [Heavenly Banner Pardoning True Monarch]."

"The lords in the immortal realm once stated clearly to me that whoever tied the bell must untie it. If we obtain this arrow, perhaps it can dissolve the injuries on our True Monarch."

The True Monarch of the [Observing Eternity Realm].

That wood qi Supreme True Lord who stole the lifespan of all Qi Refining practitioners in the world, making nearly every immortal gate cultivator grind their teeth in hatred, yet not daring to show it.

Hearing this, Wang Ping fell into silence.

Hengxu also said no more. He had said all that could be said. If the remaining crucial intelligence couldn't buy his life, he would rather die than say another word.

If the other party used that godforsaken water qi Divine Power to interrogate him again, at worst he would voluntarily sever his consciousness, absolutely refusing to give him the slightest chance!

Meanwhile, Wang Ping's thoughts were actively turning.

'This [Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead]... why does it feel like it has an affinity with me!'

Wang Ping touched his back. Right there was the Great Rebellion ceremonial artifact he had brought out from the [Hundred Treasures Great Abundance Granary]—the [Unchanging Non-Action Profound Bow].

'I have the bow, and the [Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead] is the arrow. From this, it's clear that this supreme treasure is a match made in heaven for me. It might even have been prepared specifically for me!'

Thinking of this, a guess suddenly surfaced in Wang Ping's mind: 'Could it be... that wood qi is placing a pawn?'

Was it possible?

'Not only is it possible, but highly likely!'

Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—the Immortal Gate had always been a place where no one yielded to anyone else. In this current grand scheme, metal, water, fire, and earth were all participating. How could wood qi possibly sit back and do nothing?

The more Wang Ping thought about it, the more he felt this was wood qi making a move. Of course, it was also possible he was overthinking things, but regardless, he had no need to gamble on that possibility.

Furthermore, if it truly was wood qi placing a pawn, it might not necessarily be to harm him; it could even be to help him. After all, with this bow and arrow complementing each other so well, who knew if they would yield miraculous effects? After all, it was a True Monarch's dao-proving artifact. There couldn't possibly be any issues with it helping him achieve perfection in his nine qi manifestations, right?

Reaching this thought, Wang Ping suddenly raised his head.

Then, Hengxu watched in astonishment as the face of this water qi dao child, who had just been threatening him, suddenly bloomed with a friendly and passionate smile. "Oh my, Brother Hengxu!"

As Wang Ping called out, he affectionately pulled Hengxu closer and patted the clothes on his body. "A misunderstanding. Everything before was a misunderstanding."

"Our two families are sworn friends willing to cut our throats for each other. How could I harbor any ill intent toward you? I was just joking earlier. Please, you absolutely must not take it to heart."

Our relationship isn't exactly deep enough to cut our throats for each other...

Looking at Wang Ping, Hengxu couldn't help muttering in his heart. 'What is this demon playing at? A sudden one-hundred-and-eighty-degree shift in attitude—is he still trying to trick me?'

Immediately after, Hengxu was pulled down by Wang Ping to sit on the ground. He saw Wang Ping speak with earnest sincerity, "Brother Hengxu, I know your heart still harbors much wariness toward me, but believe me, those are all prejudices. How about this: first, listen to my analysis, and then you will understand."

"First, the primary question."

Wang Ping held up a finger. "If this [Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead] can truly dissolve that lord's injuries, then why were you the only one dispatched?"

Hearing this, Hengxu instantly fell silent. Naturally, he had thought about this question too, but he had no answer. In the end, he could only attribute it to the lord not wanting to disturb too much karma.

Yet Wang Ping stated bluntly, "Although the [Observing Eternity Realm] has declined, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. You couldn't possibly be unable to produce a single Qi Refining practitioner perfected at the Qi Refinement Third Layer, could you?"

Hengxu shook his head.

The one damaged in his faction was a True Monarch, not a True Person, and certainly not a Qi Refining practitioner... In fact, strictly speaking, within the realm of Qi Refining practitioners, his faction was actually very strong.

Because the True Monarch had left an exception back then. Although he took the lifespan of Qi Refining practitioners worldwide, the Qi Refining practitioners residing within the [Observing Eternity Realm] had evaded this calamity.

Thanks to this, not only were there perfected third layer Qi Refining practitioners within the [Observing Eternity Realm], but there was more than one. Were it not for the fear that rashly cultivating true nature would make the [Observing Eternity Realm] a target of public criticism, or even expose their True Monarch's condition, the realm would likely have produced several True Persons by now.

Unfortunately, it was of little use.

After all, the True Monarch was damaged. Even if they produced another thousand or ten thousand perfected Qi Refining cultivators, it would be nothing more than a trivial matter that the lords of the other immortal realms could blow away with a single breath.

Thus, for countless years, the [Observing Eternity Realm] kept an extremely low profile, completely terrified to display its faction's strength. As a result, even as a dao child, he had only just reached Qi Refining.

In truth, he had survived his life tribulation long ago and had been confident in reaching Qi Refining.

However, it was precisely because of the fear of being too conspicuous that he had kept delaying it. Only when his destined limit was approaching, and delaying any longer meant dying of old age, did he finally undergo Qi Refining Entering the Dao.

It was exactly because the [Observing Eternity Realm] didn't suffer from the lifespan-stealing affliction, and enjoyed endless longevity after Qi Refining, that the many cultivators of the [Observing Eternity Realm] possessed sufficient patience. Otherwise, after enduring such stifling days for so long without hope, the entire immortal realm would have probably fallen apart and had its dao lineage severed long ago.

Naturally, Wang Ping was completely ignorant of all this.

However, this did not hinder his conclusion. "Since there are perfected Qi Refinement Third Layer great cultivators around, why send you, Brother Hengxu? You've only just reached Qi Refining. Honestly speaking, who could you possibly beat?"

Wang Ping counted on his fingers for Hengxu. "For fire qi, the dao child Mingde of the [Radiant Clarity Realm] is a solid Qi Refinement Third Layer."

"For earth qi, a True Monarch's dao child has also arrived, likely similar to Mingde."

"The one for water qi, I know. He is a yin god under the jurisdiction of my faction's True Monarch—immortal and indestructible, also at the Qi Refinement Third Layer."

"For metal qi, there's even less need to say. You recognize Mingyou, right? My master! He previously single-handedly spearheaded the Wood-Damaging Lifespan-Seizing scheme, and is now preparing to cultivate true nature."

"And there is Tianxing."

Counting them all down, let alone Hengxu, even his current self couldn't deal with a single one of them. The absolute weakest likely possessed combat power that could pierce through the fifth heaven.

"Therefore, this arrangement is unreasonable."

Wang Ping said with certainty, "For this arrangement to be made, there are only two possibilities. Either you are a decoy placed out in the open, intentionally thrown out to attract attention..."

Hearing this, Hengxu decisively shook his head. "Impossible!"

As a dao child of the True Monarch's direct lineage, he was the sole individual within the [Observing Eternity Realm] harboring the True Monarch's accomplishment. Everyone could judge the True Monarch's condition based on this.

Under these circumstances, no one would intentionally sacrifice him. After all, if he died, there would be no way to probe the True Monarch's condition, and the immortal realm would inevitably fall into chaos.

On the other side, Wang Ping had been waiting for exactly this sentence. He immediately smiled and said, "I trust Brother Hengxu's judgment. Since it's impossible for you to be used as a decoy, then there is only the other possibility... The reason you were sent here is precisely because you are weak enough to be perfectly captured alive by me!"

Hengxu: "???"

This conclusion left Hengxu completely stunned, and then he nearly laughed out of sheer anger. You mean to say my family's lord sent me here just to be caught by you?

"Don't disbelieve it."

Wang Ping's expression was solemn as he continued, "Brother Hengxu, think about it. Why was I able to discover this [Shiyang Temple] earlier than you, and even lay in wait here?"

"In truth, I simply found the place that felt the most dangerous and set up an ambush. It was entirely you, Brother Hengxu, who threw yourself into the net and crashed right into my trap."

"Do you think this is merely a coincidence?"

The moment Wang Ping said this, Hengxu's expression also grew somewhat amiss.

Coincidence? To be honest, he didn't believe it—because he had rushed over at top speed as a streak of light, knowing the exact location of the [Shiyang Temple].

Under normal circumstances, it was impossible for anyone to be faster than him.

Yet Wang Ping had done exactly that.

"There are no coincidences in this world." Wang Ping smiled faintly and stated with certainty, "If there truly is a coincidence, it must be a higher cultivator placing a pawn!"

"Therefore, I have reason to believe that all of this was done by that lord of the [Observing Eternity Realm] using karmic guidance to intentionally deliver you into my hands. It was to use your mouth to tell me about the [Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead], and even to have you assist me in seizing this supreme treasure, thereby participating in my life tribulation!"

With that said, Wang Ping clapped his hands. "Brother Hengxu, think about it. Isn't this exactly what's happening? Isn't my analysis logical, well-founded, and convincing? You have absolutely no way to refute it."

Hengxu: "..."

'It actually seems to make a bit of sense!'

For a moment, Hengxu seemed to genuinely start contemplating Wang Ping's words. A look of conviction gradually surfaced on his face, and he nodded heavily. "Fellow Daoist's words are extremely correct!"

"Right?"

Wang Ping forcefully patted Hengxu's shoulder. "So, as long as you help me seize the [Rebellion-Resolving Pacifying Arrowhead], Brother Hengxu, you will have fulfilled the True Monarch's entrustment."

"You and I are sworn friends willing to cut our throats for each other. I couldn't possibly lie to you."

"Say no more, Fellow Daoist. I believe you!"

Hearing this, Hengxu wore a resolute expression. "Since that is the case, I will take you to the main hall of the [Incense-Draped Hall] right now. Fellow Daoist, undo the seal first and let me out..."

"That won't do."

Hengxu: "!!!"

'Weren't we just saying we were sworn friends willing to cut our throats for each other?'

Seeing Hengxu's twisted expression, Wang Ping sneered inwardly. 'What a joke. You think you can just chime in with a few words of agreement and have me let you out? You're dreaming.'

Despite this, his face maintained its affectionate smile as he spoke in a sincere tone, "Brother Hengxu, don't misunderstand. It's not that I don't trust you, it's primarily because you are severely injured right now. It really isn't good for you to move around outside. For now, stay inside my Spiritual Treasure. Nursing your injuries is more important."

'Fuck! You damned demon!'

It would have been fine if Wang Ping hadn't said this, but once he did, Hengxu was instantly exasperated. 'Fuck your mother, you didn't say a single word about who caused these injuries!'

For a moment, Hengxu became even more conflicted.

Although there had been an element of putting on a show just now, he had genuinely thought it over carefully and felt that Wang Ping's explanation might not be completely devoid of logic.

After all, there was one point he didn't want to admit: that his True Monarch was already so severely injured he had no time to attend to the outside world and was merely gasping out his final breaths... Compared to that, he would rather believe that although his True Monarch was gravely injured, he still possessed the spare capacity to place pawns in the outside world and seek a method to break the stalemate.

Wang Ping's analysis had perfectly seized upon this exact psychology of his.

Especially since Hengxu himself also wanted to live. With multiple thoughts interweaving, he actually found Wang Ping's analysis increasingly reasonable the more he thought about it—it wasn't purely a bluff.

Thus, after a long while, he finally spoke. "If you want to enter the main hall of the [Incense-Draped Hall], taking the front entrance won't work. It will definitely be stared at by everyone. Going in that way is simply seeking your own path to death..."

Hearing this, Wang Ping's expression did not change, but his heart brimmed with joy.

'He believed it. He actually believed it!'

To be honest, although Wang Ping's spiel just now wasn't entirely blind analysis, the vast majority of it was spouting nonsense—a case of shooting the arrow first and drawing the bullseye later.

In reality, he wasn't certain either.

It was possible that the truth was vastly different from his guess, or it was possible that he had hit the mark by a fluke and genuinely guessed the truth. But to Wang Ping, none of that mattered.

As long as the objective was achieved, that was enough.

A True Monarch's dao-proving artifact—it might even be a True Treasure. If he could get his hands on it, it would definitely bring the most crucial turning point to his life tribulation!

"However, I can be certain that no one else knows that the main hall of the [Incense-Draped Hall] actually has a back door located in another secret hall. As long as you hold the [Thirty-Six Thunder Tokens], you can pass through the teleportation formation to silently enter the main hall without being noticed by anyone on the outside."

Hengxu continued to explain in a low voice, "Of course, before that, you still have to use the spiritual fire from the [Pixiang Golden Lamp] to burn through the [Guanyuan Golden Lock] blockading the main hall. This step cannot be skipped."

"Beyond that, it's best to bring some rice and flour over, just in case... There are some in the storage bag I carry on me; they are all top-tier immortal goods."

"Rice and flour?"

Wang Ping paused upon hearing this. "Why?"

"Because the historical dao scriptures record that back then, the master of the [Incense-Draped Hall] once reared two demonic beasts: a Tianhou and a Profound Pheasant."

"The Tianhou managed the exterior as the [Night Watch Official], performing the act of driving the thunders. Wherever it went, the earth would overturn, and its residual light would illuminate the sky as a meteor dozens of zhang long. Its speed was like the wind, its voice like thunder, and its light like lightning. Whenever this beast appeared in the world, it indicated that the thunder mansion had matters of warfare and slaughter. The mortal world called it a calamity star."

"The Profound Pheasant managed the interior as the [Dawn Announcing Official]."

"Contrary to the Tianhou, this one was an auspicious beast. Rumor has it that it is an immortal bird; even if it dies countless times, it will resurrect when the sun rises in the east."

Speaking to this point, Hengxu was also somewhat hesitant. "Rumors, they are merely rumors. If the Tianhou and Profound Pheasant join forces—the night watch and the dawn announcer—they possess the ability to pluck at time. They can foresee the future and also regress to the past."

"Although there is a high probability that these two divine beasts died in battle alongside the master of the [Incense-Draped Hall], and their so-called immortality wasn't absolute in the face of such a world-destroying great war... regardless, it is never wrong to be careful. Bring some rice and flour, so if you really encounter them, you can at least communicate a bit."

"That's how you communicate?" Wang Ping raised an eyebrow.

"It works."

Hengxu nodded. "The Tianhou likes to lick flour, and the Profound Pheasant likes to eat rice. They are beasts, after all. As long as you feed them something delicious, you can at least pacify them."

"Of course, there are definitely risks."

Wang Ping fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then immediately pressed further, "This Tianhou and Profound Pheasant—one dog and one chicken—what exactly is their cultivation realm? Perfected at the Qi Refinement Third Layer?"

"The Tianhou is at the Qi Refinement Third Layer."

Hengxu nodded, then shook his head again. "However, the Profound Pheasant is not. As an auspicious beast, its primary job is to provide auspicious buffs for cultivators."

"Specifically...?"

"Its meat is very delicious."

Hengxu chuckled. "The Profound Pheasant doesn't die, so it is often taken and used for food—pan-fried, steamed, boiled, deep-fried, and roasted. Rumor has it that eating it can prolong one's years and increase longevity."

"So strictly speaking, the Profound Pheasant doesn't even have a cultivation level. Because it often lives for a single day before being killed, only to resurrect when the sun rises. In that sliver of time, let alone Qi Refining, it wouldn't even be enough for Tribulation Transcending. It simply has no time to cultivate. At first glance, it really is just a black chicken."

'So it turns out to be that kind of auspicious beast!'

Wang Ping shook his head and continued to ask, "What is the name of that secret back door hall? Where is it located? Exactly what traps and fortunate encounters are inside?"

"The secret hall is called the [Heaven-Presenting Hall]."

Hengxu replied, "There are no traps. There are a few fortunate encounters, but not many. After all, its primary function is to submit the [Thunder Mansion Cinnabar Records] to the main hall."

"For instance, for the cinnabar records here in the [Shiyang Temple], the unimportant ones are approved on-site, while the important ones are memorialized and sent through the [Heaven-Presenting Hall] to the main hall for approval."

"That is why there is a back door that can go directly there."

"As for the location... it is forty-three thousand li east of the [Shiyang Temple]. You can lock onto its location using the [Thirty-Six Thunder Tokens]. Don't you have a cinnabar record in your hands?"

"After finding the [Heaven-Presenting Hall], take out the character for 'Approved' from the cinnabar record and water it with Shrine Thunder. That will activate the teleportation formation leading to the main hall."

Having said this, Hengxu directly slumped onto the ground.

He had still chosen to believe.

He both wanted to live and hoped that all of this was truly his faction's True Monarch placing pawns and laying out a scheme. Regardless, he had said all that needed to be said, and he also breathed a sigh of relief.

"Whether you kill or slice me, do as you please."

Hengxu closed his eyes.

"But let me make it clear beforehand: I have a secret method protecting my true spirit back in the [Observing Eternity Realm]. If you kill me, you won't be able to refine me into a yin god. It would be completely meaningless."

"...Look at what you're saying!"

Seeing this, Wang Ping smiled faintly and said affectionately, "Brother Hengxu still doesn't trust me. As I said, you and I are sworn friends willing to cut our throats for each other. How could I kill you?"

After speaking, he quietly put away the [Profound One Calamity-Crossing Ring].

"Brother Hengxu, just nurse your injuries here properly. Rest assured, with me around, absolutely no one will disturb you." As his voice fell, Wang Ping withdrew his divine sense.

Only Hengxu was left alone, exasperated and furious.

Nurse injuries?

'I can't use a single speck of dharma power or divine sense right now! Nurse what fucking injuries? This bitch-born bastard still talks about being friends willing to cut throats—from what I can tell, it's just cutting throats!'

In front of the [Shiyang Temple], Wang Ping opened his eyes.

Immediately after, he reached out his hand and plucked the array disk suspended in midair. Grabbing it firmly, he refined it in an instant, stowing it away along with the surrounding array.

"This is also good stuff."

Wang Ping was deeply satisfied. Inscribed within the array disk was a [Heaven-Sealing Earth-Locking Great Array]. Rooted in the earth yang earth [Thousand Towering Peaks Demon-Subduing Qi], it could isolate the inside from the outside.

Its grade was an extremely superior spiritual array.

It was perfectly suited for laying traps. Even for a Qi Refining practitioner, if they crashed headfirst into this array while caught off guard, they would likely end up with a bruised and battered head.

"Brother Hengxu truly is a good person."

After sustaining severe injuries, he had voluntarily gifted him so many treasures just like that. This friendship, built by cutting his throat first and talking later, truly lived up to its name.

"[Heaven-Presenting Hall]..."

Wang Ping was unhurried. He used [the gentleman should hide his implements at the right time] to conceal his aura, then rode a streak of light, flying silently in the direction Hengxu had indicated.

Along the way, he also saw quite a few streaks of spiritual light flying about. There were Qi Refining practitioners scrambling against ancient cultivators, and Qi Refining practitioners fighting against other Qi Refining practitioners. The ancient cultivators were fairly united, mostly traveling in groups. During this time, he also encountered several treasure lands that felt like they contained fortunate encounters, but in the end, Wang Ping did not stop.

After all, he wasn't the greedy sort.

One must know that insatiable greed leads a snake to swallow an elephant. He had a far more important fortunate encounter to claim. How could he waste time on these minor encounters and end up delaying his grand objective?

Therefore, it was better to leave such matters to the others.

Thinking of this, Wang Ping hurriedly turned the [Profound One Calamity-Crossing Ring], releasing all of the yin gods and dispatching them toward the various treasure lands.

"Scrape the very topsoil off for me."

"If you don't secure the fortunate encounters, don't come back to see me!"

Having finished all of this, Wang Ping felt completely relaxed as he continued forward. Holding the [Thirty-Six Thunder Tokens] to sense the way, he found his destination in no time.

However, what made him frown was...

Following the direction of the sensation, what met his eyes was that someone was actually already occupying it. Furthermore, there were quite a few of them. Spiritual light boiled, and various types of heaven and earth qi whistled through the air.

The intensity of the battle was such that, even under the suppression of incense qi, it could rock the river meridians for nearly a hundred li. It made some passing Qi Refining practitioners in the vicinity judge their own strength insufficient and actually dare not approach. Wang Ping could only restrain his aura to the absolute limit while pushing his divine sense to the maximum, gazing distantly toward the battlefield.

"Hm?"

A second later, Wang Ping suddenly let out a soft sound of surprise, solely because an old friend of his was actually in the depths of the battlefield, and was also the primary target being besieged.

Gazing out, he saw a palace standing tall.

Outside the palace were three Qi Refining practitioners, each holding a Spiritual Treasure. Judging by their qi manifestations, they cultivated earth, fire, and water, respectively. They were incessantly launching attacks at the palace.

Inside the palace was a middle-aged cultivator whose eyes contained gold, whose brows were dyed crimson, and whose skin was heavy, thick, and flawless. Yet the crimson robe on his body was mostly shredded, and his aura was withered, making him look extremely wretched. Even though three streams of heaven and earth qi circulated around him, he was inexplicably feeble, entirely lacking the might of heaven and earth qi.

It was none other than Yi Xuangong.

However, this sect master of the [Unchanging Non-Action Dao Field] currently had a face full of grievance, looking so wronged that even Wang Ping sighed inwardly, lamenting the bitter hardships ancient cultivators faced in everything they did.

As a dignified Qi Consumption Third Layer cultivator, if placed in the era of the Great Rebellion, before the Qi Consumption dao lineage was banished into the unorthodox and heretical side paths, he would at least possess combat power capable of piercing the fifth heaven.

Yet what about now?

Wang Ping shifted his gaze, looking at the three cultivators besieging Yi Xuangong. Two of them were at the Qi Refinement First Layer, while the other was a Qi Refining Second Layer cultivator with a somewhat weaker aura.

Judging from the sensation of their strikes, it was estimated that breaking through even the first heaven would be difficult for them.

The fact that such a meager level of strength could force the current Yi Xuangong into a perilous situation demonstrated exactly what sort of state the ancient cultivators had been reduced to. No wonder they were treated as stinking unorthodox outsiders.

Moreover, from the current situation between the two sides, Wang Ping roughly guessed the truth—eighty percent of the time, these three Qi Refining practitioners had the exact same thought as he did when he lay in ambush outside the [Shiyang Temple] earlier. They wouldn't risk entering the treasure land, and instead specialized in robbing cultivators who came out of it. Yi Xuangong had most likely fallen for their trap.

But this was perfect.

Wang Ping hadn't forgotten his main purpose for coming to the [Incense-Draped Hall] this time. Everything was to cultivate his [Great Abundance Scripture] and achieve the innate Martial Dao realm.

To do this, he first had to accumulate [Minor Abundance Learning].

And a mere Hengxu was far from enough to satisfy his requirement for [Minor Abundance Learning]. Now, taking advantage of this excellent opportunity, he could perfectly stuff three more Qi Refining practitioners inside!

Thinking of this, Wang Ping immediately approached silently.

"Junior Brother Jing Hua, now that things have reached this point, it's time to discuss how to divide the fortunate encounters."

Outside the [Heaven-Presenting Hall], a Qi Refining practitioner could be seen speaking coldly. His appearance was slightly weathered. Although there were traces of him maintaining his youth, he still thoroughly exhibited an old age.

Clearly, he didn't have much lifespan left.

Around his entire body, however, there were fully four qi manifestations circulating, displaying many profound scenic anomalies such as impartial reservation, endless proliferation, and abyss-like profundity.

There was one point Wang Ping had actually guessed wrong.

And that was: although all three of them had formulated the idea of robbing and killing cultivators coming out of the treasure land, this ambush wasn't actually the result of their cooperation.

It was even the exact opposite.

The three of them had discovered this treasure land one after another, merely thinking along the same lines. None of them had rashly entered; instead, they had all coincidentally chosen to lay in ambush outside.

It wasn't until Yi Xuangong appeared and they attacked simultaneously that they realized other people were there.

"Senior Brother Chang Jing is absolutely right. How about four-four-two?"

On the other side, a Qi Refining practitioner, who similarly had four qi manifestations circulating around him, chuckled lightly. Compared to the other party, he was much younger, with waterfall-like black hair reaching his waist.

"You and I will take four parts each, and the remaining two parts will go to Fellow Daoist Rui Yi."

After speaking, the two of them simultaneously looked at the third Qi Refining practitioner present. Compared to the former two, this Qi Refining practitioner's cultivation was higher—he was already at the Qi Refining Second Layer.

Hearing this, the mentioned Rui Yi immediately clenched his teeth. Unfortunately, even though he was at the Qi Refining Second Layer, he had hastily broken through after fully cultivating three qi manifestations. In terms of combat power, he was actually about the same as the other two. More importantly, there was no True Person or True Monarch backing him; he had relied purely on himself to cultivate to this point.

Chang Jing and Jing Hua were different.

One was from the Chu family of the Protector Courtyard, carrying a True Person background and coming alongside the earth qi dao child. The other was even more ruthless, directly being a cultivator of the [Radiant Clarity Realm].

What was there left to divide?

Saying four-four-two made it look like they were leaving a bit of soup for him, but in reality, all the good stuff would be in the first two "fours." The remaining two parts falling into his hands would only be scraps.

However, Yi Xuangong, inside the [Heaven-Presenting Hall], felt even more aggrieved than he did.

"A bunch of juniors... You bully others too far!"

Hearing these words, Jing Hua, who hailed from the [Radiant Clarity Realm], turned his head and gave a light chuckle. "Since ancient times, fortunate encounters have always belonged to those of virtue."

"For a heretical outsider path to dare come and fight for a fortunate encounter is already overstepping your bounds!"

As his voice fell, Yi Xuangong didn't even argue back. Back in the day, he had also risked his life fighting against the Immortal Gate alongside the Dao Lord. Today, even if he lost the battle, he wouldn't lose his momentum. He immediately sneered, "How impressive."

"Speaking of which, just a couple of days ago I passed my eighty-seven thousand, six hundred and thirty-fourth birthday. Sigh, there are still so many days ahead of me, and I just don't know how I'm going to spend them all."

"Oh right, may I ask the esteemed ages of you three?"

The moment these words came out, Jing Hua was fine, but the expressions of the other two Qi Refining practitioners—Chang Jing and Rui Yi—drastically changed. Murderous intent visibly surfaced in their eyes.

After all, none of them had much lifespan left.

Everyone in the world knew that lifespan was the greatest taboo for Qi Refining immortal cultivators.

To possess heaven-reaching cultivation yet only have ten thousand years of lifespan—who would be willing to accept that? Especially when they found out an outsider, far inferior to themselves, had already lived for over eighty thousand years...

"This is outrageous!"

The two men's mental defenses instantly shattered.

In an instant, the three men, who had previously been wary of each other and held back when attacking, directly summoned their Spiritual Treasures. A weave of brilliant lights crashed down violently toward Yi Xuangong.

Seeing this, Yi Xuangong sneered. He immediately formed a hand seal, and three streams of heaven and earth qi gathered above his head, spurring on a profound mystery. Like a seed taking root in the earth, it instantly transformed into a towering giant tree. Heavy flames burned upon its branches, their fiery glow forming a circle, as if a pitch-black sun rested upon the boughs.

[Yingdi Willow]!

This profound mystery was already Yi Xuangong's ultimate killing move today. Now that it had appeared, it immediately aimed at Chang Jing's direction among the three and furiously charged forward to slaughter!

Although his cultivation level had dropped, Yi Xuangong's experience remained.

'Among the three, this person cultivates earth yin earth. He excels at trapping and entangling, but is unskilled in offense and will find it difficult to handle too strong of a burst. It is only right to use him as the breakthrough point.'

'As for the other two, I have the earth yin wood [Heavenly Virtue Harmonizing Appropriate Qi] protecting my body. It can turn peril into safety and ensure things go smoothly and appropriately. A single strike from them won't be enough to kill me. As long as I endure their attack head-on and break out of the encirclement, the sky will be high enough for birds to fly, and the sea vast enough for fish to leap. I won't be trapped and left to die in this one place.'

In a flash of lightning and a spark of flint, Yi Xuangong had already made his decision.

The next second, his figure had already arrived in front of Chang Jing. Allowing the full-powered strikes of the other two Qi Refining practitioners to land upon his body, he did not waver in the slightest.

Looking up, a pitch-black brilliance mixed with blood was spat out from Yi Xuangong's lips and teeth. Carrying a qi manifestation of all things coming to an end, it poured out toward Chang Jing.

Seeing this, Chang Jing merely sneered, "The struggle of a cornered beast..."

Before his words even fell, he was about to bring out a method to counter it. However, right at this moment, an intense sensation of crisis leaped within his sea of consciousness, causing his pupils to shrink abruptly.

Immediately after, he heard a soft noise coming from the back of his head.

"Clang!"

Chang Jing knew that this was his protective dharma garment automatically shielding its master. Sweeping his divine sense over, he saw a profound stone engraved with intricate seal script hovering right above his head.

Judging from its aura, this profound stone was clearly also a Spiritual Treasure. If his dharma garment hadn't blocked it at the critical moment, wouldn't he have been caught in a pincer attack?

"Who's there!"

Chang Jing's thoughts instantly sank to the absolute bottom. An unfamiliar Qi Refining practitioner, hiding in the dark to strike at him, and he hadn't discovered them until now...

'Water qi?'

In a flash of lightning, Chang Jing flipped his sleeves, first releasing a Divine Power to parry Yi Xuangong's fully-powered [Yingdi Willow] in midair.

He immediately looked back.

What met his eyes, three li away on a mountain peak, was a youth drawing a bow and nocking an arrow, aiming distantly at him. It sent a phantom pain straight through his glabella.

What surprised him even more was the other party's face.

"Kunyun!?"

Rumble!

Almost simultaneously, Wang Ping released the hand drawn on the bowstring. The [Dragon Smoke Wood], one of the five divine arrows, tore through the air and arrived right at Chang Jing's face in the blink of an eye!

This arrow completely exceeded Chang Jing's expectations. However, when he subconsciously circulated his qi manifestations in an attempt to block it, he found that it was completely unstoppable. All of his qi manifestations were practically crushed at the first contact. The arrowhead of the [Dragon Smoke Wood] pierced into his glabella without the slightest hindrance, causing his sea of consciousness to tremble abruptly!

Seeing this, Wang Ping was quite pleasantly surprised.

As expected of the [Orthodox Magic Divine Arrow]. The five divine arrows were divided into the five elements, yet they also restrained the five elements. They could produce an effect against a cultivator of any given qi.

Therefore, when facing the [Orthodox Magic Divine Arrow], the best method was not to block, but to dodge.

Unfortunately, Chang Jing had zero understanding of the profound mysteries within it and was caught completely off guard, so he subconsciously chose to block it, which was why his sea of consciousness was shot through by a single arrow.

The five arrows worked!

With this thought, Wang Ping had already stowed away the [Unchanging Non-Action Profound Bow] while simultaneously operating the [Free and Unfettered Roaming]. His figure rapidly flew toward Chang Jing like a ghost or a phantom.

Witnessing this scene, Chang Jing instantly abandoned all fantasies and clasped his hands in front of his chest.

[Earth Yin True Earth].

This qi manifestation, obtained from the earth yin earth [Nine Marshes Profound Nether Demon-Suppressing Qi], was gathered along with the other four qi manifestations he had successfully cultivated.

The dao foundation verification technique!

"Heaven drops timely rain, and the mountain marshes produce clouds; this is the ultimate marvel of creation!"

Four qi manifestations collectively empowered a single Major Divine Ability, transforming into a pitch-black profound cloud on Chang Jing's body. It held up his dharma body, instantly escaping the perilous situation.

"[You-Dwelling Cloud-Ascending Heaven-Riding Supreme Method]!"

Forced to abandon the fortunate encounter, Chang Jing's heart was currently brimming with resentment. He only thought about reporting to the dao child after returning, having the dao child swiftly bring people over to wipe away this past humiliation.

However, the very next second, he froze.

Originally, according to his expectations, he should have directly escaped ten thousand li away at this moment, freeing himself from the crisis from then on. But as he actually floated out, he was met face-to-face with... 'A spiritual array???'

When was it laid down?

Impossible, how could he have not noticed the massive commotion of laying an array... Although that was the case, time did not permit Chang Jing to think too much.

Because he already couldn't stop himself.

"Bang!"

Under the gazes of everyone present, Chang Jing crashed headfirst right into the [Heaven-Sealing Earth-Locking Great Array] that Wang Ping had laid out, bursting into a shower of blood blossoms on the spot.