Chapter 764 - 123: Shape Shifting, Acquiring the Golden Seal
Tai Heng’s lingering remnant soul had been trapped for nearly ten thousand years; when it finally emerged, it was in an exceedingly frail state. After extinguishing Zhang Boyant’s Nascent Soul avatar, his primordial qi was further greatly depleted.
However, at present, he had completely suppressed Yue Yuji’s divine soul and could already make use of the mana essence of his physical body.
Now, his mastery over this flesh body, its strengths and weaknesses, was so thorough that he understood it no less than its original owner.
There was but one flaw: restricted by Yue Yuji’s cultivation, he was still temporarily lingering within the Nascent Soul Realm.
If given some time to locate a suitable cave mansion for secluded cultivation, and borrowing the Yao Yin Sect’s inherited Five Artifacts, he could step into the Cave Heaven Realm within just a few years. By then, he would be able to dominate the world once more and reclaim his title as a Demon Dao overlord.
Though Tai Heng Ancestor was merely a sliver of remnant soul, a thousand years ago, he had battled countless great cultivators. His insights were unparalleled in today’s age.
Thus, he deemed his current cultivation sufficient to deal with the two before him.
In the clashes and killings among cultivators, the measure of victory and defeat was not solely bound by cultivation and treasures; divine skills, timing, terrain, foresight, and luck—all carried weight. At times, outcomes were decided in the blink of an eye.
Moreover, the True Imprint of Dharma Power he had condensed during the Hua Dan stage was still deeply ingrained in his divine soul. As long as he had a physical vessel to host his soul and mana at his side, he could unleash a few of his former divine skills and spells. Of course, he would not fear being besieged by two Nascent Soul cultivators.
Ying Chenglin noticed the profound confidence exuding from Tai Heng, aware he would be difficult to handle. He furrowed his brow slightly and turned to the surrounding Hua Dan cultivators to advise, "Fellow Daoists, retreat farther away for now. Do not let him harm you."
A battle between Nascent Soul cultivators was something Hua Dan cultivators could not intervene in. Even those who practiced protective treasure light only needed to summon it, and with its overwhelming mana, they could be forcibly repelled.
But as he had just spoken, the others had yet to respond, when Tai Heng Ancestor suddenly let out a chuckle, flung his robe sleeve, and scattered a myriad of talismans across the air. Brilliant golden light flooded the hall, swirling chaotically as it rolled toward everyone.
Among them, several talismans targeted Zhang Yan directly. Perceiving the peculiar nature of these talismans, his gaze sharpened. Instead of confronting them head-on, he leapt backward.
However, these talismans were exceedingly strange. Though they moved at a slow pace, they seemed to possess an uncanny sense of awareness, trailing him relentlessly no matter how he dodged, like shadows he couldn’t shake off.
Pondering briefly, he turned his attention to others in the hall.
The individuals present were bewildered by the nature of these items. Knowing that the old demon must have sent them with a significant purpose, each person summoned their trusty treasures to block them.
Fang Zhenlu’s companion, an elder of the Chen Clan, stepped forward and opened his treasure umbrella. Yet, as the golden talisman approached, it silently merged into the umbrella, entirely devoid of the anticipated commotion. He froze in stunned disbelief.
Witnessing this, Zhang Yan paused in thought. With studied composure, he retrieved several talismans, flicked out his hand, and sent them to intercept the incoming talismans. As expected, when the golden light collided with his talismans, it promptly shattered and disappeared.
He swept his sleeve, moving the talismans aside.
The talismans they encountered were mere fragments; the majority were hurtling toward Zhang Boyant and Ying Chenglin.
Zhang Boyant watched as dazzling golden light filled the air, vast and inescapable, seemingly infiltrating every gap as it surged toward him. Uncertain of the old demon’s methods, he dared not be arrogant.
He had arrived carrying four Dharma treasures: the Cold Crystal White Bone Sword, Yin Yang Ring, Breath Sealing Nails, and Jiu Mian Card. He promptly summoned them into the air, forming a shield in front of him. In an instant, dozens of talismans sank into the treasures without a trace.
He was momentarily stunned. His expression subtly shifted as a wave of unease surged in his mind. He refused to believe the old demon would resort to a useless move. Yet upon silently inspecting the four treasures, he could find no anomalies.
Ying Chenglin had, until now, also been frantically dodging. However, realizing the talismans clung to him like maggots to bone and couldn’t be shaken off, his brow furrowed deeply. Letting out a sharp yell, he released his Nascent Soul from his crown. A profound Xuanlin Python twisted around him, deflecting all the swirling golden talismans.
Tai Heng Daoist emitted a resounding laugh. Suddenly, with a booming sound, brilliant radiance erupted as a Nascent Soul rose from his crown.
This Nascent Soul floated in the sky, standing three zhang tall. It resembled both a flood dragon and a demon, with gold-scaled skin, armored features, a face veiled in darkness, and devilish flames stretching across its body. Its aura flowed like fleeting light, while its flames drifted like cloud formations. Grand and majestic, it exuded an imposing presence, towering reverently like an immovable ancient peak.