Chapter 1696: A Good Harvest

When the Unholy One’s painting was mentioned, Lu Zhou brought it out and held it in his hand before he said, “Not only did the congregation take my things, but the congregation even tried to exchange them with me. How interesting…”

The four blood shamans were scared out of their wits. Up until now, they did not become complacent. At this time, it seemed like they were right to do so. The Unholy One clearly could not get past this matter.

Cult Leader Zhou said, “Du Chun deserves to die 10,000 times for his crimes. The Unholy One’s painting has always been with him for safekeeping. I didn’t expect him to be so… audacious!”

Lu Zhou put the painting away and asked, “Why does the congregation want the Heaven Suppressing Pestle?”

“This…”

Cult Leaders Zhou and Chu looked hesitant to speak.

“Oh?”

Although it was just an ‘Oh?’, Lu Zhou sounded very threatening.

With that, Cult Leader Zhou hurriedly said, “The Heaven Suppressing Pestle can absorb the power in the abyss.”

When Cult Leader Chu saw Cult Leader Zhou revealing one of the congregation’s core secrets, he decided to go all out. Hence, he said, “My lord, you were away for 100,000 years so you might not know much about the Pillars of Destruction. Then, ten pillars grew in the Unknown Land and lifted the Great Void to the sky and supported it until today. The ten pillars provide the purest energy to the Great Void, and that energy comes from underground.”

“However, it’s strange that cultivators can’t use the power of the earth. After the power of the earth enters the pillars before being released into the Great Void, it becomes the Great Void energy and nourishes the cultivators. This is also the fundamental reason that the Great Void stands above the nine domains. Now that 100,000 years have passed, many young cultivators who were born and raised in the Great Void were born with the Great Void energy.”

Lu Zhou nodded slightly. It was no wonder that the cultivators of the Great Void had such a strong sense of superiority.

Cult Leader Chu continued to say, “The Nihilist Congregation tracked and studied the Heaven Suppressing Pestles for a long time before discovering that the pestles can solve this problem. Through the Heaven Suppresssing Pestles, one can directly absorb the power of the earth to greatly increase one’s cultivation.”

Lu Zhou asked, “Did you obtain any Heaven Suppressing Pestle before this?”

Cult Leader Zhou replied, “Du Chun used the same method to obtain the Heaven Suppressing Pestles twice so he could cultivate the blood disk. After using them, he would return them. I wonder whom he looked for this time.”

At this time, one of the blood shamans kneeled on the ground and said, “Cult Leader Du ordered us and Captain Luo to go to Xihe Hall.”

“What a lunatic! The Holy Maiden is very loyal to the Sacred Temple. Was he not courting death by looking for her?” Cult Leader Zhou said. Since Du Chun was dead, he would trample on Du Chun as much as he could to express his stance to the Unholy One.

Cult Leader Chu said, “He had no other choice but to look for the Holy Maiden. I heard that the other Heaven Suppressing Pestles are lost.”

“Even the Great Abyss Land’s Heaven Suppressing Pestle is lost, let alone the ones from the ten halls,” Cult Leader Zhou said before he muttered under his breath, “I wonder which bast*rd has them…”

Lu Zhou frowned and launched a palm seal immediately.

Boom!

Cult Leader Zhou was sent flying out of the main hall immediately without any suspense. He did not defend himself or erect his protective energy; he was too afraid to do so and could only accept the heavy blow. His blood and qi rushed before blood rushed up his throat.

“…”

Silence descended on the main hall.

‘Is this person the Unholy One whom they worshipped? Is this the legendary figure that everyone in the congregation revered? Why is he so temperamental and so quick to anger?’

After Cult Leader Zhou landed, he pushed himself up with a hand before he kneeled on the ground. He was bewildered; he did not know he had angered the Unholy One.

Everyone was also bewildered.

Lu Zhou withdrew his hand and said tonelessly, “Watch your mouth.”

Cult Leader Zhou was not dissatisfied or resentful. He was only filled with endless joy that he was alive. He hastily said, “Understood.”

Lu Zhou continued to pace back and forth as he asked, “The nine celestial stars lining in a row before the tenth celestial joined their ranks, bringing disaster. Is this rumor spread by the Nihilist Congregation?”

Cult Leader Chu did not dare to answer. He felt that no matter what answer he gave, he would still be beaten up.

Lu Zhou’s gaze swept across everyone in the hall as he said expressionlessly, “There are so many people here, but not one person can answer my question?”

‘It’s over! Is he going to kill everyone?’

Most of the cultivators in the hall suddenly fell to their knees.

“Lord Unholy One, spare my life!”

“Lord Unholy One, please spare my life!”

Lu Zhou frowned slightly.

‘I’m quite merciful. Am I so terrifying? Oh, Unholy One, it seems like you were quite fierce when you were alive. You left too many shadows in these people’s hearts and traumatized them. No wonder so many people in the Great Void opposed you. Look at these youngpeople! They’re so scared.’

Finally, Cult Leader Chu took the initiative to say, “The Cult Master had an agreement with Wu Zu. According to the agreement, we spread rumors about the calamitous star.”

“Where’s the cult master now?” Lu Zhou asked.

“We really don’t know. He’s very elusive,” Cult Leader Chu replied.

“Why did he agree to that?” Lu Zhou asked.

“When we found the painting, the cult master and the four cult leaders took turns to comprehend the power in the painting. At that time, we also tried to decipher the poem. In the end, we only managed to decipher the tenth character from the poem,” Cult Leader Chu said before he added, “I’m afraid you’ll find our discovery hard to believe.”

“Speak,” Lu Zho said.

“We discovered the tenth character seemed to refer to Emperor Shang Zhang’s daughter! Hence, we came to an agreement with Wu Zu,” Cult Leader Chu said, “In fact, the Nihilist Congregation didn’t want to be enemies with the ten halls of the Great Void. We only want to pursue unique cultivation paths like the Unholy One, break the shackles, and seek immortality. However, due to our discovery, we had to act.”

Cult Leader Chu paused and sighed before he said, “I thought the plan would go smoothly, but we didn’t expect the girl and Kong Junhua to go missing.”

As soon as Cult Leader Chu’s voice fell, Lu Zhou struck with his palm again.

The palm seal this time was overbearing and fierce. It was as fast as lightning.

Boom!

Without any suspense, the palm seal sent Cult Leader Chu flying. His outcome was much more miserable compared to Cult Leader Zhou earlier. When he was sent flying back, he felt as though his Dantian’s sea of Qi was torn apart.

Lu Zhou’s palm seal contained a trace of the divine Dao power so it was not easy for Cult Leader Chu to withstand it by only using his body.

Everyone retreated again. At this moment, a question arose in their hearts.

‘Is such a temperamental and fickle Unholy One worthy of everyone’s belief and respect?’

Cult Leader Chu was confused.

Cult Leader Zhou was also confused.

Lu Zhou looked at Cult Leader Chu and thought to himself, ‘How dare you scheme against my disciple! I’m already being very lenient with this palm strike since it didn’t take your life.’

Lu Zhou asked, “Do you know why I attacked?”

Cult Leader Chu shook his head.

Lu Zhou only said, “It’s your punishment.”

Cult Leader placed his hand on his chest and nodded. “Thank you, Unholy One, for the punishment.”

“I’ve been away for 100,000 years, but it doesn’t mean that I’ve become stupid. Many things aren’t as simple as you think. I concealed the ten characters in the poem to hide the Ten Classics. By deciphering the poem, does it not mean that you covet my things?” Lu Zhou said calmly.

Everyone retreated again upon hearing this. Only then did they understand why the Unholy had injured the two cult leaders. Indeed, was it not because they coveted the Unholy One’s treasures that they deciphered the poem? At the same time, they felt like the poem was even more mysterious. It was clearly not simple.

“I’ve always been reasonable. Those who are sensible can rest assured,” Lu Zhou said.

Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed slightly. They really hoped that was the case. They had never met the Unholy One before, and they were not familiar with his temper and personality. Their knowledge and understanding were limited to the legends and his cultivation path.

Usually, things seemed more beautiful from a distance. They revered the Unholy One and regarded him as their faith. However, at this moment, after interacting with him briefly, they finally realized how terrifying the Unholy One was.

Lu Zhou withdrew his hand and asked, “Who deciphered the tenth character specifically?”

“I-it, it’s Cult Leader Yan. However, he just left the ancient ruins recently,” Cult Leader Chu stammered.

“Name?”

“Cult Leader Yan’s name is Yan Guichen.”

“What else did Yan Guichen discover?” Lu Zhou asked.

Cult Leaders Chu and Zhou shook their heads, indicating that they did know.

Lu Zhou asked curiously, “Why did both of you fail to decipher it?”

“This… It’s about talent. Our talent isn’t comparable to Yan Guichen. Furthermore, it’s something that belongs to the Unholy One. How can ordinary people comprehend it?” Cult Leader Chu said, not forgetting to flatter Lu Zhou at the end.

“Tell me. What else do you know?” Lu Zhou asked.

The hall was once again silent.

The information Lu Zhou obtained today had far exceeded his expectations. The harvest was rather good. If he could obtain more information about the Unholy One, it would be even better.

Cult Leader Chu shook his head and said, “We’ve told you everything we know. Please forgive us, Unholy One!”

“If we lie to you or conceal anything from you, we’re willing to be punished,” Cult Leader Zhou chimed in.

Lu Zhou nodded in satisfaction and said, “If Yan Guichen or your cult master returns, inform me immediately.”

Then, Lu Zhou casually tossed out a talisman each toward Cult Leaders Zhou and Chu.

The duo was very respectful and did not dare to refuse.

“We’re willing to serve you.”

‘It seems like I can only get more information from Yan Guichen or the Cult Master of the Nihilist Congregation.’

After a moment, Lu Zhou said, “I have a task for the Nihilist Congregation.”

Cult Leaders Zhou and Chu bowed at the same time. “What are your orders, my lord?”

“If you perform well, I naturally won’t treat you unfairly,” Lu Zhou said.

To gain control over these people, Lu Zhou knew he could not only rely on his strength to suppress them.

The two cult leaders listened attentively.

Lu Zhou continued to say, “Find the highest quality life hearts for me. The more the better.”

Cult Leaders Chu and Zhou were puzzled.

‘With the Unholy One’s skills, how can he lack life hearts?’

Nonetheless, the duo had just been punished so they did not dare to ask questions.

“If you don’t mind, our congregation has accumulated some life hearts over the years. Each of them is of the highest grade,” Cult Leader Chu said before waving his hand.

Two core members left wordlessly. It did not take long before they returned to the hall with a brocade box.

Click!

Cult Leader Chu opened the brocade box, revealing five dazzling life hearts.

Ordinary life hearts were usually smooth without many edges; they were just enough to fill Birth Chart zones. However, the five life hearts in front of Lu Zhou possessed many edges. They were as beautiful as diamonds.

Lu Zhou looked at them before he said, “The Qilin’s life heart.”

“My lord, you’re very knowledgeable. These are indeed the Qilins’ life hearts. Qilins are ancient auspicious beasts, and their status isn’t inferior to ancient dragons. These life hearts were obtained by the cult master in the western region of the Great Void,” Cult Leader Chu explained.

Lu Zhou looked at the five life hearts. It would be a lie if he said he was not tempted.

Cult Leader Chu continued to say, “Of course, since you’re already a supreme being, these life hearts aren’t valuable to you. I hope you won’t disdain them.”

No one dared to ask why the Unholy One wanted life hearts. It definitely could not be because he wanted to activate his Birth Charts since he was a supreme being, and it was even more impossible that he would rip out his previous life heart and use these life hearts to reactivate his Birth Charts; that was tantamount to seeking death.

“Very good,” Lu Zhou looked at the duo and said, “You’re worth teaching.”

After that, Lu Zhou continued to say, “I’ve always been reasonable. These life hearts were obtained by your cult master, and he’s not here now. Wouldn’t he mind if I took the life hearts?”

Cult Leader Zhou quickly said, “Of course not! Our cult master is your number one follower and believer! Over the past 100,000 years, we’ve lost count of the times he spoke out about you. Whenever he speaks about you, he’ll lose track of time and speak endlessly. His respect and admiration for you are beyond words. It’s just like how I admire and respect you. I…”

Lu Zhou raised his hand to stop Cult Leader Zhou before he said, “Very good.”

Then, Lu Zhou waved his hand, bringing the brocade box to him. After briefly sensing the life hearts, he grew even more satisfied. The life hearts were perfect; they were not even slightly damaged. After putting the brocade box away, he looked at the hall carefully. It seems like there were not many treasures in this lousy place for him to take away.

Upon seeing this, Cult Leader Zhou asked, “My lord, is this place to your liking?”

Lu Zhou shook his head, “The negative energy in the ruins is too heavy. It’s not conducive to cultivating many cultivation techniques here.”

“Lord Unholy One, you’re right. You’re proficient with techniques from the schools of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Compared to you, who’s like the bright moon in the sky, we’re just like fireflies on the ground.”