Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi

Qingxu Palace, Front Hall.

The True Yang Ancestor, Three Mountains Ancestor, and Dugu Tianyi sat solemnly behind the table, patiently waiting for Elder Qingxu to arrive, while privately communicating through Divine Thought.

"...It's truly unbelievable, so many Golden Core Cultivators, just died like that!"

"Indeed, those were all Elder-level figures, yet they all perished within the Da Yu's realm this time."

"What exactly happened in Feicui Lake remains unknown to this day."

"This is a rare major event in the Southwest Land in a hundred years, especially for the Da Yu Cultivation Realm, I've heard almost all the Golden Core Ancestors have died..."

Their Divine Thought discussion was focused on the Jade Transformation within the Da Yu Territory.

The second Jade Transformation resulted in the demise of numerous Golden Core Ancestors, leaving only Elder Qingxu of Da Li and Three Evils Daoist of Da Yu unscathed.

Such a monumental change, involving many Golden Core Cultivators, was destined to be impossible to conceal.

Not long after Zhang Yao departed the Da Yu on the Floating Island on the sky:

This explosive news spread rapidly throughout the entire Southwest Cultivation Realm via special channels organized by super commerce associations like the Celestial Treasure Tower and Yu Hua tower.

In just half a month:

Before Zhang Yao and many disciples of the Fuhai Sect returned to the Da Li Territory, the matter of the Jade Transformation had already spread through the upper and middle levels of the Da Li Cultivation Realm.

For a time, not only were many Foundation Establishment Cultivators discussing and speculating about it, but even figures like the True Yang Ancestor were highly concerned.

Therefore, upon learning of Elder Qingxu's return, they immediately came together to discover what had transpired at the Jade Transformation, with the affairs of the Fuhai Sect being only secondary.

"Elder Qingxu has arrived."

Suddenly, two Daoist Officials standing at the entrance of the front hall announced in chorus.

The True Yang Ancestor, Three Mountains Ancestor, and Dugu Tianyi quickly stood up to greet him.

"Greetings, Daoist Brother Qingxu."

"Greetings, fellow Daoists, please have a seat."

After exchanging pleasantries, they resumed their seats, with the host and guests properly arranged.

Knowing that Zhang Yao wasn't fond of idle talk, the True Yang Ancestor and the others quickly got to the point, stating their intentions bluntly.

However, as they expected:

The Jade Transformation indeed held deep secrets; Zhang Yao skillfully dodged the topic, clearly unwilling to divulge too much.

"Please rest assured, gentlemen."

Zhang Yao lifted his tea cup, speaking calmly:

"This matter has concluded, there will not be a third occurrence, nor will it affect my Da Li Cultivation Realm."

The matters of the Jade Divine Palace were highly confidential, and he and Three Evils Daoist had long reached an understanding not to disclose them.

After all, the Jade Divine Palace had existed since the Ancient Era; who knows if anyone else has heard of it? Especially since Zhang Yao obtained an Ancient Spiritual Treasure; any leakage could even attract Nascent Soul Old Monsters.

Upon hearing Zhang Yao's assurance, the True Yang Ancestor and others sighed in relief.

They could guess that Elder Qingxu must have gained substantially from the events of the Jade Transformation, but even with envy in their hearts, they dared not entertain any excessive thoughts.

After chatting for a while longer, the Three Mountains Ancestor brought up the matter of the Fuhai Sect's mountain gate in Hai Continent.

"Alas, it's truly the Fuhai Sect's misfortune..."

Zhang Yao set down his tea cup, sighing as he said:

"The Wanchuan Ancestor passed away many years ago, and now the Haihe Ancestor, who held the reins of the Fuhai Sect, has unfortunately perished in the Jade Transformation."

"The Fuhai Sect and I share some past connections. Leaving them in the Da Yu Territory might lead to their swift downfall, so I brought them back."

Adding this, he continued:

"The Fuhai Sect has suffered severe losses in the past and hasn't yet recovered their vitality. Without a Golden Core Ancestor to preside, long-term decline is inevitable."

"I hope you, esteemed Daoists, can show leniency, and let bygones be bygones."

Upon hearing his words, the True Yang Ancestor and others immediately assured, 'We dare not,' and promised not to target the Fuhai Sect again.

As Zhang Yao stated:

The decline of the Fuhai Sect was inevitable; without a Golden Core Ancestor, it could at most be a slightly stronger second-rate power, not threatening their interests significantly.

For this old rival of the past, given Zhang Yao's protection, they dared not further target it and adopted a laissez-faire attitude.

"By the way, there is one more matter."

Zhang Yao hesitated for a moment before saying:

"I won't be staying in Da Li for long this time."

"I plan to visit the Da Mo Kingdom first, and after that, I'll likely stay in the Mani Kingdom in the Central Plains for a long time."

"In the future, if there are any changes in the Da Li Cultivation Realm that you can't handle, you can seek me in the Mani Kingdom; as for the tributes every twenty years, just leave them in Qingxu Palace."

"Of course, if you gather accurate information on the several Heaven and Earth Treasures I require, you must notify me first."

"Yes."

The True Yang Ancestor and the other two responded quickly and cheerfully had a sense of relief.

Having achieved the Golden Core Ancestor status, naturally, they didn't want a master constantly overshadowing them. Zhang Yao's plan to stay long-term in the Mani Kingdom was good news for them.

...…

Several days later.

"Boom!"

A dazzling white rainbow flashed and vanished, and Zhang Yao once again left the Qingxu Palace.

He sped westward, crossing over countless rivers and mountains and flying past more than a dozen desolate zones before finally arriving within the Da Mo Territory.

As one of the four great powers of the Southwest Land, Da Mo is located at the westernmost part of the "Hundred Countries of Central Plains," just like Zhang Yao's homeland, Lu Kingdom, both situated in border regions.

Further west of Da Mo, after crossing the desolate zone that stretches for tens of thousands of miles, one would enter the Western Wilderness Zone, rumored to be a paradise for demon beasts where the Human Race has disappeared.

"Boom..."

The white rainbow streaked across the sea of clouds, and Zhang Yao looked down at the mountains and rivers below, showing a hint of amazement:

"Is this the Middle Aged Mo Yuan?! Truly, hearing is not as good as seeing..."

Following his gaze, one could see the vast land below, featuring a pitch-black, deep abyss like a sore on the land.

The abyss spans tens of thousands of feet and looks like a seabed whirlpool devouring everything. Hundreds of miles around are barren landscapes, with ochre hills undulating and little vitality.

Only near the abyss does a cluster of buildings appear, with many escape lights coming and going.

This is the most famous place within the Da Mo Territory—Middle Aged Mo Yuan.

This abyss appeared due to a geological change in the Middle Ages, said to connect to the earth's core, accumulating billions of years of Yin Sha energy, making it a forbidden zone for living beings, human or beast.

However, the condensation of Yin Sha energy has led to the birth of numerous Yin Qi Treasures, dark attribute treasures, scattered dark attribute spiritual gold, spirit grass, and more, making it a treasure land for cultivators since ancient times.

Da Mo derived its name from this, and the cultivation realm within its territory mostly consists of dark and shadow attribute Immortal Daoist schools, highlighting Middle Aged Mo Yuan's influence.

"In such a place, the birth of an Endless Yin Earth treasure is understandable."

Thoughts flickered in Zhang Yao's mind:

"However, Endless Yin Earth is an extremely rare Heaven and Earth Treasure. If it were to be born, it would only emerge from the depths of Mo Yuan, tens of thousands of feet below."

"Jiuhua Ancestor of the Shenhua Sect managed to obtain 'Endless Yin Earth' probably during a Black Tide outbreak when they ventured in, coupled with good luck."

The Middle Aged Mo Yuan, connected to the earth's core, has irregular outbreak periods similar to a human breathing hole.

Under normal conditions:

In the deep areas tens of thousands of feet under Middle Aged Mo Yuan, the Power of Earth's Magnetic Force becomes strong enough to distort space and confuse the senses, creating natural hazards where even a Golden Core Ancestor might fall.

The dark attribute spiritual objects birthed in the shallow and middle layers are useless to a Golden Core Ancestor, leaving exploration to those in the Qi Refining Stage and Foundation Establishment Stage.

Only during each Black Tide outbreak, when the Yin Sha energy accumulated in the depths flows out like a flood, temporarily suppressing the Power of Earth's Magnetic Force, can Golden Core Stage cultivators delve for exploration.

However, even during such times, an average Golden Core Stage cultivator can only explore between ten thousand to twenty thousand feet deep; going deeper makes it difficult to ensure safety, and treasures like Endless Yin Earth are at least three thousand feet below.

"If it truly depends on luck to obtain, there might be very few available, far from sufficient for my needs."

Thinking of this, Zhang Yao slightly increased his escape light speed, heading towards the Shenhua Sect.

.....

Southeast of Da Mo.

The mountain gate of the Shenhua Sect is located on the perilous Divine Splendor Mountain, the most dangerous in Da Mo, standing solitary and towering for thousands of ren.

Hundreds to thousands of peaks host various Daoist Palaces, with the dawn light competing in brilliance, rainbows spanning the sky, and many escape lights shuttling back and forth like clouds and raindrops, creating a grand spectacle.

At this moment, atop the highest peak of the Shenhua Sect, 'Celestial Pillar Peak':

Gang Feng sharply whistled and swept freely, yet a viewing platform stood firm, where two Daoists sat conversing, with a red clay small fire stove nearby.

"The scenery here at Daoist Brother's place indeed deserves to be called the best in Da Mo. Every visit leaves me refreshed."

The Black Abyss Ascendant, dressed in black robes and wearing a Black Jade Crown, lounged comfortably on a soft couch, leisurely sipping from a small brass wine flask.

"Haha, if Fellow Daoist likes it, why not stay with me more often?"

The Jiuhua Ancestor, dressed in hemp robes and flaxen clothes with a kindly face, smiled slightly, adding another precious spirit grass to the teapot on the red clay small fire stove.

"Ah, how I wish I could."

The Black Abyss Ascendant took another sip of wine, then lamented:

"But alas, my disciples are all incompetent, skilled in power struggles but dull as pigs in cultivating Profound Skills."

"Without me, the Li Yuan Sect would fall apart in a few days."

He shook his head and continued:

"I eagerly hope for a prodigy with a dark attribute Exotic Spirit Root to quickly reach the Golden Core Realm and inherit my mantle."

"Then, I can entrust Li Yuan Sect to them, just like my mentor, and enjoy a carefree life at the Celestial Continent Nine Mansions..."

"Hahaha..."

The Jiuhua Ancestor laughed, stroking his beard:

"Celestial Spirit Root, Exotic Spirit Root, both are talents one in a million, not so easily found."

"Li Yuan Sect has only passed on to you, the second generation. To find another capable leader takes more than a day or two."

"Exactly!"

The Black Abyss Ascendant sighed deeply:

"The thought of possibly working for decades or even centuries more makes me uneasy."

"Thinking about how clever I've been all my life, achieving the Golden Core at 150, and reaching third grade in Artifact Refining Skill, yet neither my disciples nor children are worth a dime..."

Pausing, he spoke again:

"Have you heard of that Elder Qingxu who's recently made waves among the Southwest Countries?"