Library of Heaven's Path
Chapter 500-508

Chapter 500: Knockout Treatment Method

Knock out?

Not only did Hall Master Han widen his eyes, the others were baffled by Zhang Xuan’s actions as well, and they stared at one another in confusion.

Aren’t you going treat Hall Master Han’s injuries?

What do you mean by knocking him out?

“There’s no need to worry. This is our old master’s exclusive technique, Knockout Treatment Method!” Sun Qiang explained.

Having followed behind Yang shi for a period of time, he knew that this was the old master’s exclusive technique. As the direct disciple of the old master, it was natural that the young master would know of it as well.

The crowd became even more perplexed.

To treat someone by knocking them out… Such a method existed in the world?

Hu!

Before the crowd could react, the Demon Cinque Beast suddenly turned around, walked, over, and stared at Hall Master Han, causing the other party’s hair to stand on end.

“Zhang shi… Why don’t we pass on the ‘knockout’? Perhaps… medicine might be better…”

Recalling how the gigantic fellow charged at him relentlessly to kill him previously, Hall Master Han started trembling uncontrollably.

Would this big fellow use this opportunity to get back at him? Zhang shi told it to knock him out, but what if it used this chance to kill him instead? It was better to be safe than sorry…

“There’s no need to go through so much trouble. Demon Cinque Beast, what are you hesitating for? Hurry up!”

Zhang Xuan frowned.

Roar!

Hearing the instruction, the Demon Cinque Beast howled in delight. Stepping forward, its thick wings immediately flew over and struck him.

“I…”

Hall Master Han really cried this time around.

If only I’d known that this was your treatment method, I would surely have just given the middle-tier spirit stone to you for free. I don’t need such compensation…

Peng!

In his current condition, it was impossible for Hall Master Han to escape. Thus, when the wing struck the back of his head, his vision turned black and he passed out.

“This…”

The corner of Zhao Feiwu’s mouth twitched violently. Her body trembled slightly, and at this moment, she felt extremely glad that she was countless kilometers away from this fellow back when she was treated. It was fortunate that he only presented the solution via the Wall of Dilemma. If he had been the one to administer the treatment personally…

Would this have been her fate as well?

Was there really such a treatment method in the world?

Being feeble since young, she had seen innumerable top-notch physicians. However, she had never heard of a case where one had to be knocked out in order to be treated.

Perplexed, she turned her gaze over, only to see Zhang Xuan walking over to the unconscious Hall Master Han and placing his forefinger and middle finger on the other party’s wrist.

A moment later, he stood up, flicked his wrist, and a few silver needles appeared in his hand.

Sou sou sou sou!

The silver needles shot through thin air and landed straight on the numerous acupoints throughout Hall Master Han’s body. Then, with a grabbing action, all of the silver needles returned back to his hand.

“Done!”

Clapping his hand, Zhang Xuan turned to Hall Master Sai and said, “Wake him up!”

“Done?”

Everyone was dumbfounded.

Were you really treating him or were you just fooling around? After placing a few needles, you say that you’re done?

Zhao Feiwu and Jin Conghai stared at one another.

They had clearly seen the location of where the needles landed. Rather than acupoints, those were mingmen! There wouldn’t be any other physicians who would dare to touch these vulnerable spots. Even if this was a secret art of some kind, it should be impossible to induce a full recovery just by being pierced on several locations for a brief moment, right?

Or was the treatment method simply too profound for them?

Hall Master Sai had only seen the other party identifying treasures and earning their acknowledgement but he had never seen the other party treating someone before. As such, he was totally baffled by the sight before him. Even so, since the other party had already spoken, he nodded his head and stepped forward. Pressing on the other party’s philtrum, he infused a surge of zhenqi in.

“Cough cough!”

Coughing violently, Hall Master Han opened his eyes.

Hu!

Pressing against the ground, he hurriedly retreated backward. “Zhang shi, can I pass on the treatment…”

But before he could finish his words, he suddenly paused and his eyes widened.

As a cultivator, he was well aware of the various changes in his body. Given how he was able to push himself backward just by exerting some force on his palm, and the unobstructed flow of Origin Energy in his body, there could only be a single possibility… He had fully recovered from his injuries!

How was that possible?

Doubtful, he stretched out his hand and grabbed forward. A massive handprint immediately gathered in the space in front of him.

The handprint distorted the air in the surroundings with its immense might, reminiscent of a floating block of water, threatening to tear through space at any moment.

“Great Ocean Seizing Hands? Hall master, y-you… have recovered?”

Seeing his actions, not only was Hall Master Sai and the other perplexed, the other elders who had collaborated with him on the formation also widened their eyes in shock, and their breathing hastened.

Great Ocean Seizing Hands was Spirit intermediate-tier battle technique. It was incomparably powerful, and without sufficient Origin Energy and strength, it was impossible to execute it.

As the core of the formation, he was the one leading the fight against the Demon Cinque Beast previously. Thus, it was natural that he would bear the brunt of the attack and suffer the greatest damage. At the moment, every single one of them found it hard to even climb to their feet, and they felt as though they would breathe their last at any moment. Yet, the other party executed a battle technique which one could only utilize at their peak condition…

Did it have to be so exaggerated?

“I’ve recovered?” Hall Master Han widened his eyes in disbelief. Suddenly recalling something, he flicked his wrist and a spear appeared in his palm. Then, he shook it slightly.

Weng!

A surge of Weapon Intent was suddenly flicked out, and it stabbed into a gigantic boulder not too far away.

Boom!

The boulder exploded into innumerable smithereens.

“Clear Passageway, Flawless Intent! Hall master… you’ve recovered… from the trauma you sustained before as well?” Elder Hu’s lips shuddered.

In truth, the reason why they, the elders of the Beast Hall, were willing to assist their hall master in capturing the Demon Cinque Beast even despite the threat of danger was not due to his order but in awe of the hall master’s character.

Back then, in order to help them tame their spirit beasts, he had once entered the depths of a marsh and was bitten by a poisonous worm. Ever since then, there had been a blockage in his meridian, resulting in a trauma. As such, his Weapon Intent was unable to flow through his body, thereby ending his weapon cultivation there.

If not for that, given the hall master’s talent and strength, even if he couldn’t tame the Demon Cinque Beast, he would still be able to triumph over Luo Ming in the selections. There would be no need for him to go through so much trouble.

The hall master had never demanded compensation from them for his sacrifice, and similarly, they were also willing to give their all for the hall master. No matter how tiring it was, they cultivated the collaborative offensive formation along with him without a word of complaint.

They thought that the hall master would be limited by his lack of Weapon Intent for his entire life. Never in their dreams did they expect that just by being knocked out and pierced with a few needles, the other party would not only be able to execute the Great Ocean Seizing Hands, he would even be able to utilize Weapon Intent… What in the world happened?

“My trauma… is gone?”

Since Elder Hu could tell this much, how could Hall Master Han, the person in question, remain ignorant of it? He hurriedly turned his sights to the young man before him.

“Oh. I realized that you have sustained some traumas so I helped you treat those as well since it’s convenient. You don’t need to compensate me for that!” Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

In truth, when Hall Master Han fought with the Demon Cinque Beast previously, a book on him had already been compiled in the Library of Heaven’s Path. The reason why Zhang Xuan went through all the trouble to knock the other party out and touch his pulse was to conceal the secret regarding his Heaven’s Path zhenqi.

The book compiled also reflected the other party’s traumas as well. Since he was going to treat the other party, he couldn’t possibly just go halfway.

Besides, it wasn’t difficult to do so either. Heaven’s Path zhenqi could be turned into both medicine and poison with just a single thought of his. He had treated many people whose meridians had been blocked by lethal poison in the past too.

“Convenient…” Hall Master Han’s eyes reddened and he nearly went insane.

He had looked up all of the physicians throughout Myriad Kingdom City but none of them had a solution to his problem. Because the poisonous worm had bitten him while he was executing Weapon Intent, even though he was cured of the poison eventually, some remnants of the poison resulted in his meridians being permanently blocked…

He didn’t even mention his hidden problem but Zhang shi had already treated it out of convenience…

Did you have to be that extreme?

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Hall Master Han’s mind and he asked, “Elder Hu, how long… have I been out for?”

Given how all of his injuries were treated and even his traumas were gone, the treatment process must have taken a significant length of time.

Two hours? Four hours?

Or perhaps… a day?

“How long? From the moment you were knocked out until now… I think around a minute has passed!” Elder Hu calculated.

“A minute?” Hall Master Han’s body swayed weakly.

He had already been awake for half a minute, so that meant… the treatment process took only a maximum of… half a minute?

How in the world did he do it?

“Since he was able to treat my injuries, he should be able to treat the other elders as well…”

Suppressing his agitation and shock, Hall Master Han suddenly thought of something and his eyes lit up. He hurriedly stepped forward and asked, “Zhang shi, Elder Hu and the others have gotten injured for my sake. If you can treat them as well, I’ll be eternally thankful to you…”

It was due to him that the elders had all landed in such a state. He couldn’t possibly just leave them in the dumps now that he had recovered.

“Our young master is a formidable physician so his services aren’t cheap…” Sun Qiang stepped forward.

“I understand…” Hall Master Han hurriedly nodded his head. Flicking his wrist, the several thousand spirit stones that he had used to enticed the Demon Cinque Beast previously appeared in the ground before him. Under the sun, it looked like a mountain of crystal, and spiritual energy surged forth from the mini mountain.

Even though spirit stones were valuable as well, they meant nothing when compared to the lives of his old buddies.

“Alright!” Putting away the spirit stones into his storage ring, Zhang Xuan first turned to Elder Hu and said, “I believe you all should know my treatment method!”

“I’ve heard everything!” Elder Hu quickly nodded his head. “I know what I should do…”

After which, he turned to the Demon Cinque Beast and said. “Come and hit me with all of your might! I can take it…”

“…” The crowd.

Zhang Xuan staggered.

The heck! It would suffice as long as you lose consciousness. Do you need to flirt with a spirit beast like that?

Suppressing his urge to spurt blood, Zhang Xuan said, “Cough cough. Actually, there’s no need for it to make a move, you can use any means to make yourself faint. I’ll be able to conduct my treatment as long as you’re unconscious!”

“It’ll suffice as long as I lose consciousness?” Elder Hu was taken aback. On the other hand, Hall Master Han’s vision turned dark.

If it was that simple, why did you have to get the Demon Cinque Beast to make a move on me? Do you know how close I came to death because of it…

“Alright!” After confirming the treatment method, Elder Hu stretched out his palm and struck his forehead without any hesitation.

Padah!

His vision immediately turned dark and he fainted.

Zhang Xuan stepped forward. A moment later, Elder Hu woke up. Leaping to his feet, his eyes glowed brightly.

A moment later, Elder Hu woke up. Leaping to his feet, his eyes glowed in agitation.

“It’s your turn!”

After treating Elder Hu, Zhang Xuan walked up to another elder.

Knowing what Zhang Xuan needed, without wasting any time, he immediately struck his own forehead.

…

And thus, Zhao Feiwu and the others saw an incredibly bizarre sight unfolding before them. Renowned Transcendent Mortal beast tamers of the Myriad Kingdom City knocked themselves out as soon as Zhang Xuan approached them…

And after having some needles pierced into several acupoints, they regained their vitality and leaped around excitedly…

“So fast?”

Only at this moment did Hall Master Han finally get a chance to see the other party’s treatment method and speed, and his throat turned dry.

Even though Elder Hu’s words had already given him some idea of it, witnessing it with his own eyes still left him in shock.

Making a rough calculation, from the moment that the elders were knocked out to the point that the silver needles were extracted, not even twenty breaths had passed…

In less than twenty breaths, in the young man’s miraculous hands, the severe injuries of the patients disappeared. On top of that, the patients were even able to leap around freely as soon as they woke up, as though the injuries they had sustained before were imaginary…

He didn’t know much about physicians so he couldn’t make a clear judgement on the other party’s capability. However, one thing he could make judgement on was the other party’s beast taming capability. To make the Demon Cinque Beast submit with just a single bellow, and making it feed on grass willingly from an instruction, the other party’s beast taming ability had at least reached… 5-star!

A 5-star beast tamer and a potential 5-star physician… Really, where in the world did this monster come from?

Chapter 501: Demon Cinque Beast – Breakthrough

A few minutes later, the injuries of Elder Hu and the others had fully recovered. Every single one of them was overflowing with vitality.

“Thank you, Zhang shi…” The crowd expressed their gratitude.

Even though they had already paid for the services so they didn’t owe anything to Zhang Xuan, the other party’s medical skill was still simply way too astonishing. It was almost miraculous, and it was hard to believe that someone in the world was capable of such a feat.

“The Demon Cinque Beast has already been tamed by Zhang shi so it would be a waste of time if we were to remain here. Thus, I won’t be imposing on you all any longer. Farewell!”

Hall Master Han clasped his fist and bade his farewell.

His primary objective here was to tame the Demon Cinque Beast. However, since Zhang shi had already tamed it, there was no reason for him to remain here any longer.

Even though he had failed to tame the Demon Cinque Beast, he had recovered from his trauma. With this alone, he was confident that he could triumph over Luo Ming and obtain the qualification to study at the headquarter.

So, his final objective could be said to have been met. In a sense, his trip wasn’t wasted.

“Farewell!” Zhang Xuan, Hall Master Sai, and the others clasped their fists as well.

“Given how talented Zhang shi is, if I’m not mistaken, you should be participating in the Master Teacher Tournament two months from now, right? I’ll definitely head there personally to support you!” Hall Master Han chuckled before leaving.

Given the extent of the other party’s capability and his identity as a master teacher, and considering the major affairs surrounding the Myriad Kingdom City during this period of time, it wasn’t too difficult to deduce his next objective.

No matter what, he owed the other party a debt. If there was a chance, he would like to repay it. Besides, given the other party’s immense capability and his proficiency in various occupations, he was a person worth befriending.

After Hall Master Han and the others left, the area grew quiet once more.

“Zhang shi, do we enter the tomb now or do we rest here first?”

Luo Zhu looked at Zhang Xuan with a look of admiration.

The previous time he came here, he had to operate secretly for fear of being noticed by the Demon Cinque Beast. Yet, the person before him had managed to tame this notorious fellow. This was something he could never have imagined in the past.

With the threat from the Demon Cinque Beast out of the way, there wasn’t any reason for them to rush anymore. They could enter the tomb whenever they liked.

“Hold on for a moment. We’ll enter after I solve the problem the Demon Cinque Beast is suffering from.”

Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

“Problem? It isn’t injured though…” The crowd was perplexed.

This big fellow possessed such mighty strength and its defense was invincible within the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Even when battling against Hall Master Han and the others, it was able to crush all of them easily.

Solving its problem?

What kind of problem could it have?

“The Soul Devouring Ants don’t have much of an influence on ordinary lifeforms and humans. However, they are yin attribute lifeforms—otherwise they wouldn’t have sustained themselves by consuming souls—and after loitering around this area for a month or two, even if the Demon Cinque Beast didn’t really come into contact with them, it would still be affected by the yin energy they exude.”

Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan explained impassively. “The intense battle just a moment ago caused the yin energy to seep into its internal organs. If it isn’t cleared away swiftly, it’ll be hard for it to achieve any breakthroughs in the future!”

“There’s actually such a matter?”

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t we stay away from those Soul Devouring Ants as well?”

Upon hearing that even a powerful existence like the Demon Cinque Beast would be affected by the Soul Devouring Ants, everyone was alarmed. They immediately scanned their surroundings warily.

At this moment, after consuming the cooked Deerhorde Beast, the satisfied Soul Devouring Ants had burrowed back underground. Thus, there wasn’t any trace of them left on the surface.

If they hadn’t witnessed it personally, it would have been difficult for them to believe that this ancient creature, which hadn’t been sighted for such a long period of time, truly existed in the world.

To consume even formations… It was truly a fearsome existence.

“It’ll be fine as long as you all don’t consume the water from the lake!” Zhang Xuan said, “The Soul Devouring Ants can sense that the soul oracle tomb is beneath the lake. Thus, even though the water may seem clean, it is actually filled with the corpses of these fellows. One of the main reasons why the Demon Cinque Beast is plagued by the yin energy of these fellows is due to drinking the water from the lake.”

Everyone came to a realization.

These creatures were drawn here by the scent of the soul oracle tomb. Realizing that the tomb was beneath the lake, it was inevitable that some of them would be unable to resist the allure and attempt to head for the soul oracle tomb. As time slowly passed, the water became unsafe for consumption.

“Then… how can this problem be solved?” Luo Zhu asked.

Since even the Demon Cinque Beast could be plagued by the yin energy, what should they do if they were affected as well?

Everyone also turned their gazes over. They wanted to know the solution so that they would know what to do if they were to ingest the water from the lake accidentally.

“Simple, you just have to chew on the grass by the side!” Zhang Xuan pointed.

“Chew on the grass?” Taken aback, everyone instinctively turned to the Demon Cinque Beast, which was still busy chewing on the grass, with a dumbfounded expression.

They thought that Zhang shi’s act of ordering the Demon Cinque Beast to chew on grass was a punishment, but from the looks of it now, it seemed like he had another motive in mind.

This explained why this massive fellow didn’t feel displeased in the slightest, it even went on and munched on the grass excitedly.

“If I’m not mistaken, this should be Bluerain Grass, right? This grass can be found all around the mountain. However, if I recall correctly, this grass should have no particular attribute at all. Why would eating this grass clear away the yin energy in one’s body?”

Hall Master Sai was bewildered.

As an appraiser, he boasted vast knowledge. As such, he was able to identify the grass in an instant.

Bluerain Grass grew on mountainous areas that were near a water source. It didn’t have any effect or attribute, and as such, it couldn’t even be considered as a medicinal herb. Why would it be able to expel the yin energy from the Soul Devouring Ants?

“It’s true that this grass primarily has no attribute or effect. However, one has to take their environment into consideration as well. If it’s the patch of grass over there, it’ll be completely ineffective!” Zhang Xuan pointed.

He was pointing at the dense bunch of Bluerain Grasses that grew by the side of the lake.

Everyone blinked their eyes in bewilderment.

It was just a distance of several dozen meters, why would the grass over there be ineffective? There was nothing different with their environment at all!

Seeing the doubt on everyone’s faces, Zhang Xuan smiled and shook his head, “This is where the Demon Cinque Beast relieved itself… In other words, it is its toilet.”

“Toilet?”

Everyone blinked.

“The Demon Cinque Beast carries the Dragon Bloodline, which is rich in yang energy. Naturally, its waste product carries powerful yang attribute. Under such nourishment, the Bluerain Grass in that area naturally took on this attribute as well.”

After explaining, Zhang Xuan turned to look at them and said, “If you are worried, you can cut a few stalks and bring it along with you. The moment you realize that something is amiss, just take a bunch out and chew on it…”

“I’ll pass…”

“Zhang shi, thank you for your advice. However, since you said it’s fine, there should be no need to do so!”

Everyone hurriedly waved their hands.

They were still agitated over it a moment ago, but after learning that those were grass which the Demon Cinque Beast used to relief itself, they immediately lost their interest.

Knowing what the crowd was thinking, Zhang Xuan didn’t touch on the topic any further. Instead, he walked up to the Demon Cinque Beast.

At this moment, this gigantic fellow had already consumed a huge quantity of Bluerain Grass already. The yang energy within its body was gradually searing the yin energy accumulated within its body.

Taking out a few silver needles, Zhang Xuan casually pierced them into several locations on the Demon Cinque Beast.

Boom!

A loud explosion sounded, and everyone immediately felt the Demon Cinque Beast’s aura rising swiftly.

“Is it going to make a breakthrough?”

Hall Master Sai and Jin Conghai stared at one another in shock.

At Transcendent Mortal 5-dan, one’s soul would become even more harmonized with the environment, thus augmenting one’s strength greatly.

If the first four dans of the Transcendent Mortal realm, Prolonged Longevity, Origin Energy, Yin-Yang, and Clarifying Turbidity, could be considered as refining one’s zhenqi and enhancing one’s control over the environment, then from this realm onward, one’s soul would be nourished and tempered.

This was precisely the reason why even though Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle master teachers, despite their strength, could only be only considered as 4-star master teacher. Unable to produce [Long-range Tutelage Jade Token], they couldn’t be considered to have reached half 5-star.

Only when one’s cultivation had reached Consonant Spirit would one be able to sever a sliver of one’s soul to seal it within a Tutelage Jade Token to guide others.

One could say that the gap between Transcendent Mortal 4-dan and 5-dan concerned the metamorphosis of one’s soul, and it was a major hurdle to overcome.

Many people were stuck at this step, unable to make a breakthrough until the end of their lives.

Despite the long history of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance and the innumerable talents who had come and gone, there were less than a few who had managed to surpass this boundary.

And for spirit beasts, due to their weaker souls, it was far harder for them to make this breakthrough compared to humans.

This fellow was already at Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, and yet, at this moment, its aura was currently rising swiftly. Could it really be attempting to break through to the Consonant Spirit realm?

The duo hurriedly turned their gazes over.

“It can’t make the breakthrough yet!”

Seeing the agitation on the faces of the duo, Zhang Xuan replied calmly, “All beings in the world are made equal. Due to the overwhelmingly powerful physical body of the Demon Cinque Beast, it was harder for its soul to make a metamorphosis. Similarly, if one’s soul is too strong, under normal circumstances, one’s physical body wouldn’t be too strong.”

After contemplating for a moment, Zhang Xuan said, “However… after consuming the Bluerain Grass, the yin energy has melded as one with the yang energy. At the same time, I’ve also cleared some of its meridians. Thus, it’s inevitable that it’ll enjoy a huge leap in its cultivation. Even though this isn’t sufficient for it to reach Consonant Spirit realm, Half-Consonant Spirit shouldn’t be a problem!”

“Half-Consonant Spirit?”

“That’s already very fearsome! If I recall correctly, the old ancestor of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance is also at this realm…”

Hearing those words, the duo still leaped in shock.

Half-Consonant Spirit, similar to Half-Zongshi and Half-Zhizun, referred to a person who was infinitesimally close to Consonant Spirit realm but had yet to take the last step forward.

Not only was the physical body of an expert at this level strong, his soul would tend to be exceptionally powerful as well. No Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert would be his match.

If say, the Demon Cinque Beast was already overpowered due to its Dragon Bloodline and talents, it would be even more fearsome now.

If it were to go on a rampage, even the old ancestor of Myriad Kingdom Alliance wouldn’t be able to stand against it.

Formidable!

Hong long long!

Amidst the shocked gazes of the duo, the Demon Cinque Beast’s rising aura finally came to a halt. Just as Zhang shi had guessed, it didn’t manage to make the final breakthrough into Consonant Spirit realm, stopping at Half-Consonant Spirit instead.

Even so, with this strength, there was already no one who could subdue it in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance already.

Roar!

Knowing that it was only with his master’s help that his cultivation had risen and his trauma resolved, it rushed forward excitedly to Zhang Xuan and bowed respectfully.

Previously, it had only feared the other party due to the high possibility of the other party being a Pureblooded Dragon due to his ability to utter the Dragon Language. However, at this moment, he felt truly grateful to the other party.

If not for him, it wouldn’t have been able to reach this realm without a century of hard work.

Seeing its attitude, Zhang Xuan knew that this fellow was sincerely swearing fealty to him this time. Thus, he nodded his head in satisfaction and instructed, “That’s right, we’re diving to the bottom of the lake. Guard the area outside for us. If any human or beast dares to barge into this area, kill them without exception!”

The situation below was still a mystery, and having to watch their backs for enemies while exploring the region would’ve been troublesome.

With this large fellow guarding in the area, they wouldn’t have to worry about any knives behind their back.

“Roar!” The Demon Cinque Beast nodded its head.

“Alright, let’s set off!”

After giving out the necessary instructions, Zhang Xuan surveyed the surroundings before leaping into the lake along with Luo Zhu.

Zhao Ya and the others quickly followed suit.

After so much hard work… The soul oracle tomb was finally right before them.

Chapter 502: Celestial Designer

The lake was frigid and everyone immediately felt a bone-piercing chill as soon as they stepped in.

Following behind Luo Zhu, Zhang Xuan dived down into the lake.

Even the weakest among the crowd was at Zhizun realm. At that level, holding one’s breath for twenty to thirty minutes wasn’t a problem at all.

Even though Zhao Feiwu’s cultivation was slightly lacking, Jin Conghai used his zhenqi to form a protective layer around her and kept transfusing zhenqi to her. As such, she was able to avoid suffocation.

Initially, with the light that shone through the surface of the lake, they could still see the situation before them. However, as they went deeper in, darkness began to envelop them.

Prepared, Luo Zhu took out a few Night Illumination Pearls and passed one to everyone. Under the gentle light, the underwater world appeared clearly before them.

Due to the excessive frigidity of the water, there were no lifeforms in it. Swimming downward, at around a depth of seventy to eighty meters deep, they finally saw the bottom of the lake. Corals of various differing colors filled area.

It was impossible to speak underwater so Luo Zhu communicated via gesturing to the crowd. He adeptly maneuvered around the coral-filled ground and advanced. Before long, a cliff appeared before them.

The surface of the cliff was smooth, and it didn’t seem as though there was anything unique about it. If one didn’t know that a soul oracle tomb was hidden within it beforehand, it would be impossible to know that there was a hidden mechanism on it.

Flicking his wrist, Luo Zhu took out a stone plate, and after feeling about the wall for a moment, he found a precise aperture and inserted the stone plate into it.

Jiya!

A mechanism was activated. The cliff suddenly came to life and started opening up.

“What exquisite craftsmanship!”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up.

Even though it was a mechanism created out of rock, there wasn’t even the slightest mark on its surface that betrayed its identity. It might be less intricate than the Celestial Designer Mechanical Container, but its craftsmanship was still far superior compared to the other artifacts he had seen before.

It seemed like the craftsman who built this soul oracle tomb was an expert. Even at worst, he must have at least reached 9-mo.

Legend had it that 9-mo craftsmen were capable of creating machineries and puppets which even Transcendent Mortal experts would be unable to see through. From the looks of it, the legend was indeed true.

It was no wonder why Luo Zhu was so confident that no one other than him would be able to replace this location. Given how obscure the location was, it would indeed be very difficult to replace it.

The opening of the cliff face revealed an entrance. Luo Zhu took the lead and stepped in.

There were several unique mechanisms to keep out water inside the cavern, blocking the flow of water. As the crowd stepped in, they immediately realized that the area was well-ventilated. There wasn’t the slightest feeling that the room was stuffy that came from lack of oxygen.

“This is the passageway to the soul oracle tomb. At the very end is the tomb itself!”

After everyone entered the passageway, the cliff face automatically closed by itself.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

The crowd looked at their surroundings in interest.

This was a narrow passageway. Under the illumination from the Night Illumination Pearls, the group saw all kinds of inscriptions on the surface of the wall. Most of them were regarding the various rituals that soul oracles conducted. A sinister air loomed in the area.

“We should proceed slowly. There are a lot of fearsome traps placed along the passageway!”

Familiar with the environment within the ancient tomb, Luo Zhu reached forward and two child-sized puppets appeared before him.

He had probably prepared these puppets specially for this occasion.

Placing two spirit stones into them, the puppets headed straight down the passageway.

Geji! Geji!

Barely after the first puppet took three steps, a strong gust of wind blew, and with a crisp sound, the puppet burst into smithereens.

Everyone narrowed their eyes.

The puppet that Luo Zhu took was crafted using a unique material known for its sturdiness. Even a cultivator of Jin Conghai’s caliber would replace it hard to smash it in a single blow.

And yet, some unknown mechanism before them had caused it to be reduced to smithereens in a moment. If not for Luo Zhu warning everyone swiftly, that could have been the fate of one of them.

In an instant, cold sweat immediately drenched the back of everyone here.

As expected of one of the most feared occupations in the ancient era, the soul oracle tomb was indeed extraordinary.

If Zhang shi hadn’t seen through Luo Zhu’s possession and allowed the soul oracle to guide them through this area, their entire group would have most probably been wiped out before even reaching the soul oracle tomb.

Geji! Geji!

While everyone was still overwhelmed with shock, the second puppet advanced forward. However, barely after it took a few steps, just like the first puppet, it was smashed to smithereens as well.

“Within five steps, there are two death traps. I’ll go on first and mark out the spot where you all should step on. Make sure to follow it closely, otherwise… I’ll be unable to guarantee your safety!” Luo Zhu instructed gravely.

“Yes!” Knowing the importance of this issue, everyone nodded their heads.

Hu!

Luo Zhu proceeded forward carefully. However, as soon as he stepped forward, the whistling of the wind sounded and it shot past an area not too far away from him. From the looks of it, if one were to be struck by it, one wouldn’t be too far from death even if one managed to survive that attack.

However, with a puppet to test out the path, they would be able to avoid the traps in the way.

Looking at the treacherous passageway, Hall Master Sai asked, “Is this… a formation?

“Given how danger was lying in wait throughout the passageway, could this be a Slaughter Formation?”

If that was the case, given Zhang shi’s understanding of formations, they should’ve been able to break it and advance safely through.

“It isn’t!” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

If it was a formation, he would have surely felt a disturbance in the spiritual energy in the air… But there clearly was none.

“The greatest fear of the soul oracles aren’t humans but Soul Devouring Ants, and formations are ineffective on those creatures… Thus, it is unlikely for a soul oracle to incorporate a formation into their defensive mechanisms. If I’m not mistaken, these are mechanical traps!”

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Xuan had finished his analysis.

The Soul Devouring Ants were the nemeses of soul oracles, so naturally, they had to prepare some traps to protect themselves. Soul Devouring Ants were capable of consuming the spiritual energy contained within a formation and forcefully halt it. Thus, mechanical traps were preferred as to formations.

The crowd nodded in agreement.

“But if those are all mechanical traps, this will prove to be troublesome. None of us here are adept in this field. If only we had a celestial designer here, we’d be really spared a lot of trouble!” Hall Master Sai frowned.

“Celestial designer?” Sun Qiang and the others looked over.

Zhang Xuan had never mentioned such an occupation so they had never heard of it.

“Indeed. Celestial designer, also known as master mechanic, is an occupation of the Lower Nine Paths. They are skilled in designing these mechanical systems. Even though their creation might seem humble on the surface, they usually incorporate sword qi and battle techniques that could overpower even experts when they are activated.”

Hall Master Sai explained, “This occupation also has their own organization, the Celestial Designer Institute. They specialize in designing the world’s most exquisite weapon and traps. However… I’ve only read about this occupation in books. There isn’t a branch in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and it’s said that only an empire of Huanyu Empire’s tier is qualified to build a branch.”

“The artifacts designed by celestial designers are extremely complex and exquisite. It would indeed be difficult to bypass these traps without understanding the logic behind them!”

Zhang Xuan nodded his head as a frown slowly appeared on his forehead.

He had seen the complexity of the Celestial Designer Mechanical Container himself. If not for the Library of Heaven’s Path, it would be impossible for him to open it.

Even a single box could be designed so intricately.

If a celestial designer had assisted with the design of the traps in this passageway, the dangers that lurked in this passageway would be unimaginable.

Puhe!

Just as Zhang Xuan was deep in thought, he heard the sound of a sharp knife tearing through flesh. Lifting his gaze, he saw Luo Zhu hurriedly retreating with a reddened face. His arm seemed to have been sliced by something, and it was bleeding profusely.

“Are you alright?”

Jin Conghai and the others hurried forward to help him stop the bleeding.

“I’m alright!” Luo Zhu shook his head. “The traps in this passageway seem to have become even more complicated than before…”

“Even more complicated? How long is this passageway? How long did you take to reach the end?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“It is around three hundred meters. The previous time I was here, I advanced bit by bit using the puppets and it took me around four days to get to the other end!”

Luo Zhu frowned, “However, it seems like these traps change every single time one enters. My previous experience clearing the traps is completely useless now…”

“Four days?” Zhang Xuan was speechless.

To travel three hundred meters in four days, this passageway was indeed difficult.

“Indeed. But there’s no other way around it. The sword qi contained within the traps possess the might of at least a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle. If one were to accidentally come into contact with it, one will be torn into half in an instant!”

Luo Zhu shook his head.

“Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle sword qi?” The crowd was astonished.

When they saw the puppet being reduced to smithereens previously, they already had an idea that the sword qi emanated in the traps were fearsome. Even so, they didn’t expect it to be so powerful.

Even a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert would replace it difficult to survive after being struck by such powerful sword qi.

Not to mention, it would be difficult for them to dodge the attacks in such a narrow passageway.

“Do we really have no other choice other than to advance bit by bit?”

Zhao Feiwu frowned.

“That’s right! The trap mechanisms left behind by celestial designers are incomparably profound, and they are ever-changing. If one doesn’t know the pattern behind the changes, it’ll be difficult to clear the traps.” Luo Zhu shook his head.

“It won’t work even if we were to destroy the mechanical system in this passageway?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

Even formations, an intangible existence, could be stopped with a kick. If they could replace the switch to the traps or the center of operation of the system, shouldn’t it be possible to shut down the traps?

“Destroy?”

Luo Zhu smiled bitterly, “How could it be that easy? Just like a water wheel, the artifacts left behind by celestial designers are constantly on the move. Even if one had the blueprint on hand, if one doesn’t comprehend the logic behind it, it will be futile. If its designs could be overcome so easily, it wouldn’t be such a feared occupation!”

Mechanical systems and formations were similar in the sense that even if an amateur were to have the blueprint in hand, if they couldn’t understand the workings of the system, they would still be unable to decipher it.

After all, mechanical systems were built to be continuously on the move. If one didn’t understand the slightest bit of this occupation, one would be unable to get out of it alive, let alone, destroy it.

“Indeed. This is the reason why celestial designers are feared. They are capable of incorporating mechanical systems into artifacts, thus crafting tools capable of slaughtering experts easily. Furthermore, these artifacts don’t need to be powered by spirit stones… If I’m not mistaken, the energy required for powering these traps comes from the waterfall above. As such, unlike formations, compasses won’t work. If one doesn’t understand the logic behind the traps, one would never be able to overcome the traps!”

Hall Master Sai nodded in agreement.

Compasses were capable of determining the flow of spiritual energy to detect the weak points of a formation. However… mechanical traps weren’t powered by spiritual energy but kinetic energy.

How were they supposed to decipher these traps?

Hearing the analyses of the duo, the complexion of the crowd turned gloomy. The excitement from before had vanished altogether.

Seeing that the morale is down, Zhang Xuan shook his head and said, “Even though compasses won’t work, it doesn’t mean that there are no other methods of deciphering the traps. Let me give it a try!”

After which, Zhang Xuan smiled faintly and gently touched the floor of the passageway with his palm.

Chapter 503: Entering the Tomb

“Be careful…”

Seeing that Zhang Xuan was touching the ground instead of studying the various logic governing the traps in the passageway, Luo Zhu felt faint-headed.

Do you really think that you can analyze the entire mechanical system just by touching the ground?

The traps designed by celestial designers were as complex and intricate as formations. There were innumerable types of mechanical system, and even for systems of the same type, there were countless variations.

Not to mention, the design of the system would also affect its operation as well.

Even a real celestial designer would have to take a long time analyzing the various properties of the mechanical system before being able to decipher it. No matter how skilled you are in the other occupations, it is impossible for you to apply the logic from those into this field.

“There’s no need to panic. Allow me to rest for a moment first. After that, I’ll continue testing out the traps with my puppets. Anyway, the one thing we aren’t lacking is time. I’ve also brought sufficient water and rations so there’s no need to worry!”

Seeing that the morale was down, Luo Zhu consoled with a smile.

In truth, his real occupation was a tomb raider, and he had already traversed such treacherous places innumerable times; he was used to it. However, the others were different. Having never encountered such a fearsome trap, it was natural for them to feel apprehensive.

“There’s no way around it. We don’t understand such traps at all so we’ll be depending on you then.” Jin Conghai nodded.

“Don’t worry. Even though the complexity of the trap has increased, as long as I have sufficient time, I’m confident that I can still make it to the other end. You all just have to follow behind me…” Luo Zhu nodded.

Most experts or wealthy merchants would opt to hire a celestial designer to design their tombs for them, and so, he had already faced off with such traps many times throughout the years. Even though the trap had become more complicated, he didn’t think that it would be a problem for him.

Confident, Luo Zhu was just about to make preparations and make another attempt when he saw that Zhang shi, who was done touching the ground, had stood up. The latter stretched his back before walking into the passageway.

“Zhang shi…”

Luo Zhu immediately narrowed his eyes in fear.

Despite having tested the area with his puppet beforehand, he was still nearly torn in half by some sword qi. Wasn’t it suicidal to be charging in so recklessly?

Panicking, Luo Zhu was just about to pull Zhang shi out when the young man suddenly lifted his leg and kicked at the wall beside him.

Hong long!

An intense buzzing sound echoed throughout the cavern, and the crowd felt the ground beneath them shake.

“Alright, the traps have been disabled!”

After which, the calm voice of the young man echoed. Before the crowd could react, he began walking in with widened strides.

“The traps… have been disabled?”

Seeing how nothing was triggered despite Zhang Xuan’s casual movements, Luo Zhu’s expression made his frenzy apparent.

What was going on?

He had just tried it out for himself, and the trap in the passageway was clearly much stronger and complex from before. Even a person like him, who often hung out by the tombs, would replace it hard to clear the entire passageway without half a month of effort. Yet, the other party managed to do it… with a single kick?

Are you for real?

This was a mechanical system designed by a celestial designer! Luo Zhu was already prepared to have several hundreds of his puppets destroyed, and yet, the other party, with a single kick…

Luo Zhu was on the verge of going mad.

He turned around to look at the crowd, only to see the others staring at him in bewilderment.

Didn’t you just prattle on about how formidable this thing was? Why did Zhang shi manage to stop the entire thing with just a single kick?

“Let’s go on…”

Luo Zhu felt stifled. However, given how Zhang shi was capable of even dealing with a possession, it wasn’t entirely impossible for him to have comprehended the various skills of celestial designers as well. Consoling himself like that, he advanced through the passageway.

As expected, the traps in the passageway were truly disabled. Nothing was triggered as the group walked by.

Soon, reaching the very end, a vast hall appeared before them.

Upon seeing the hall, Luo Zhu said with a grim expression, “Previously, I was possessed as soon as I reached this point so I didn’t dare go any further…”

Zhang Xuan scanned the hall.

Possessing a length and width of around twenty to thirty meters wide, it was reminiscent of an underground palace. At the very center of the hall were four huge ashen-green coffins. It was impossible to determine what material the coffins were made of, but they looked extremely heavy.

“Eye of Insight!”

Instead of rushing into the room, Zhang Xuan raised his eyebrows and scanned the room once more.

A moment later, he frowned.

He found that he couldn’t peer into the contents of the coffin. Most probably, it was a creation beyond that of his current cultivation realm.

“I wonder if I can get any detail on the room from the ground!”

Even though the Eye of Insight was unable to provide him with any useful detail, Zhang Xuan didn’t panic. Instead, he bent down and touched the ground.

Previously, recalling how he’d opened the Celestial Designer Mechanical Container, Zhang Xuan thought that since the traps operated by a mechanical system as well, it should have a flaw. Thus, he gave it a try and to his delight, it really worked.

The Library of Heaven’s Path immediately reflected the name and flaws of the traps.

After looking through, Zhang Xuan came to a realization.

These traps were actually similar to formations, they had a life gate and death gate as well. Otherwise, how was anyone supposed to bypass these traps?

Not only so, there was also a core as well. As long as one found the center of operations, no matter how powerful a trap was, it could be made redundant.

After all, without energy, no matter how powerful a machine was, it would be useless.

This was the reason why Zhang Xuan could stop the entire mechanical system with a kick and lead everyone in.

Hu!

A book appeared in Zhang Xuan’s mind.

“Greenash Rock, naturally formed in the depths of the ground. It is resilient…”

With just a brief glance, Zhang Xuan nearly spurted blood.

He thought that even though the Eye of Insight was ineffective, he should be able to replace out something regarding the coffin or the hall via the Library of Heaven’s Path. Never in his dreams did he expect for an analysis on the rock he just touched to appear instead.

‘The passageway constitutes the entirety of the mechanical system, that’s why information regarding the traps was reflected when I touched it. On the other hand, this is just a normal tile so it reflects exactly what I touched. This is similar to the case when I touched the bookshelf back then!’

Dismal, Zhang Xuan soon understood.

Back then, when Zhang Xuan attempted to gather all of the books on a bookshelf in a single go by touching the bookshelf, a similar occurrence happened.

It seemed like the Library of Heaven’s Path classified matters by an entirety. Otherwise, it would only reflect what Zhang Xuan came into direct physical contact with.

But thinking about it, if he were able to know the condition of the entire continent just by touching the floor, that would be a little ridiculous.

Seeing the serious expression on Zhang shi’s face, Luo Zhu took the lead and explained, “There’s no danger here. We can enter the hall!”

When he stepped into the hall, nothing particular occurred.

Thus, the group behind followed suit.

“These are the coffins housing the Soulless Metal Humanoids. The one that I took came from here!”

Walking up to the coffin, Luo Zhu pointed and spoke anxiously.

Back then, it was precisely when he opened the coffin and was about to take away the Soulless Metal Humanoid that he was possessed. As such, he already had a trauma regarding the matter, and thus, he didn’t dare to step forward.

“Let me take a look!”

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan walked forward.

As expected, one of the four coffins was open, and its interior was completely empty.

He touched the empty coffin.

Hu!

A book appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“Grade-7 Metal Coffin, forged by 4-star Blacksmith Xu Zhe. It is used as a container to house a Soulless Metal Humanoid, and it won’t decompose over time. Flaw No.1, it cannot be used to house a normal corpse…”

The introduction and flaws regarding the coffin were detailed in the book.

“Grade-7 Metal Coffin?” After reading through the details, Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

Based on the description in the Library of Heaven’s Path, this coffin should only be used to store Soulless Metal Humanoids. It shouldn’t contain any souls at all. If so, why would Luo Zhu have been possessed?

Thus, he turned to an unopened coffin and touched it.

It was also a Grade-7 Metal Coffin, and its purpose was the same as well—storing Soulless Metal Humanoid. There wasn’t much of a difference from the first one.

Zhang Xuan went on to touch the others and they reflected the same conclusion as well.

Knowing that they were containers for Soulless Metal Humanoid, Zhang Xuan swiftly lost his interest.

The purpose of his journey was to obtain the inheritance of the soul oracles. The Soulless Metal Humanoids didn’t mean much to him.

But in the end, these items were of great value. Previously, Zhang Xuan had managed to sell it for twenty thousand spirit stones. Even though he didn’t need it, he could still earn substantial wealth from their sales.

Seeing as Zhang shi touched all four of the coffins, Luo Zhu asked anxiously, “Zhang shi, I was possessed here… Should we open the other coffins?”

The others were also awaiting Zhang Xuan’s decision.

“Don’t open them first!”

Even though there were no problems reflected on the books, Zhang Xuan couldn’t guarantee that no mishap would occur when the coffins were opened.

It would still be fine if a soul of the level of the one who possessed Luo Zhu previously appeared, but if a powerful were to appear instead, Zhang Xuan could not say for sure whether his Heaven’s Path zhenqi would be effective on the latter.

It was better to proceed carefully.

“Put the coffins directly into the storage ring. We’ll open them after we get out!” Zhang Xuan said after a moment of contemplation.

“Alright!”

Sun Qiang had been waiting for these words. He hurried forward, stretched out his hand, and swept the four giant coffins into his storage ring.

These belong to the young master. No matter who you are, don’t even dream of laying your hands on them…

“Cough cough!” Seeing how shameless Sun Qiang was behaving, Zhang Xuan’s face reddened. He turned around, issued some instructions, before proceeding ahead.

“You all wait here first. I’ll look around the area!”

The hall had an eerie appearance, and it felt desolate.

The walls were all made of the tough Greenash Rocks. It seemed like the builder really put a lot of effort into building this hall. Not only did he excavate the entire area, he even used the toughest material to reinforce its structure, ensuring its long-term durability.

Touching the walls around the room, Zhang Xuan didn’t replace any traps. Thus, he advanced forward.

The hall was linked to another narrow passageway.

Walking up to it, he bent down and touched the ground.

Hu!

A book appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“It’s just an ordinary passageway?”

The book recorded the details of the floor material reflected in the book, thus proving that there weren’t any mechanical traps inside.

Heaving a sigh of relief, Zhang Xuan soon came to a realization.

Such traps were expensive. It was normal for traps to be laid at the entrance for fear of invaders, but setting them up in the interiors seemed a little ridiculous. Since the purpose of those traps was to prevent anyone to entering the tomb at all, it would make more sense to spend the money on reinforcing the traps in the entrance.

He turned around and shouted, “There is no danger here, come over!”

The group hurried over.

Zhang Xuan led the way forward.

The passageway wasn’t long, extending on for only a distance of ten meters or so. At the end, another vast hall appeared before them.

It was much larger than the one before.

“Based on what I know, the first chamber is for the protectors of the soul oracle, the Soulless Metal Humanoids, while the second chamber is the main chamber prepared for the soul oracle himself. This should be where the souls of the soul oracles lies…”

Luo Zhu swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

“You mean that… we’ll replace the souls of the soul oracles here?” Zhang Xuan asked.

Luo Zhu nodded.

“Since this is the main chamber… I believe so!”

Upon hearing the other party’s confirmation, Zhang Xuan raised his head, and with a glance, a deep frown suddenly appeared on his face.

“Th-this… What is going on?”

Chapter 504: Second Acknowledgement of the Heavens

Instead of a hall, what that appeared before them was a field of flora and fauna. A refreshing fragrance tickled their nose, and in the skies, they saw white clouds floating by. It was as though they had returned back to the mountains.

“Could this be an… Illusion Formation?”

Hall Master Sai and the others were taken aback.

How could there be plants growing in an underground chamber? Not to mention, white clouds and blue skies. Clearly, it was an illusion.

The only explanation for this bizarre sight was that it was an Illusion Formation.

“This isn’t a formation…” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

As a formation master, he would surely be able to tell if it was one. However, there wasn’t the slightest disturbance in the spiritual energy before him, and the sight before him felt incomparably real. It was as though one was traversing through space, and it felt indescribably bizarre.

“Is this a mechanical trap? No, that can’t be. Mechanical traps aren’t capable of producing such effects!”

In the end, mechanical traps operated based on logic. They weren’t capable of producing these florae, fauna, and flowing water before them.

“Let me test the situation out with a puppet!”

Perplexed, Luo Zhu flicked his wrist and a puppet appeared. Then, the puppet slowly walked toward the field at the end of the passageway.

Hu!

As soon as it stepped out of the passageway, it immediately disappeared without a trace.

“This… What happened?”

Everyone leaped back in shock.

How could the puppet simply disappear all of the sudden? Even if a mechanical trap was activated, at least the fragments of the puppets should remain. To disappear as soon as it walked toward the end of the passageway… This was way too bizarre!”

“Could this be a… Teleportation Formation?”

Hall Master Sai’s throat went dry.

Everyone turned to look at him doubtfully.

“The Teleportation Formation of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance is only capable of transferring words and information, and they are known as Communication Walls!”

Hall Master Sai said, with a trembling voice, “It’s said that at grade-6, Teleportation Formation will gain the ability to transfer material objects such as food, money, equipment, and even artifacts. At grade-8, even lifeforms can be transported… In other words, even a human can leap through space.”

“Transporting a human?” The crowd was astonished.

Zhang Xuan also widened his eyes in shock.

As a 4-star formation master, he had a deeper understanding of formations than Hall Master Sai. He thought that transporting information should already be the limit. To think that formations would be able to transport even a human.

How deep of an understanding of space must one possess to be capable of setting up a formation capable of transporting humans!

Given how the puppet abruptly disappeared… Could this really be a formation of that level?

If so, it was normal that they couldn’t see or feel the puppet anymore.

As an Upper Nine Paths occupation, formation masters had a high requisite on one’s cultivation. If one’s cultivation didn’t reach the required level, one would be disallowed from studying more profound knowledge. It was just like how even though Zhang Xuan was able to inscribe a grade-5 formation plate, he was only considered a quasi 4-star formation master.

A person who was capable of setting up a grade-8 formation definitely possessed cultivation beyond that of a Transcendent Mortal… To be able to get such a figure to set up a formation for him, how powerful must the owner of the tomb be?

Since Zhang Xuan was able to come to this conclusion, the others also realized the same as well. Their faces immediately paled.

If it was just a Transcendent Mortal 3-dan or 4-dan soul oracle, even if they were possessed, they would still possess a certain degree of self-preservation means. However, if the opponent they met were to be beyond that level, they wouldn’t stand a chance at all.

“Zhang shi… Do we enter?”

The crowd turned to look at Zhang Xuan.

Zhang Xuan fell into deep contemplation.

If his conjecture was right, proceeding ahead would definitely put them in grave danger. He wasn’t confident of holding his ground even with the Heaven’s Path zhenqi.

It could be said that certain doom awaited them if they were to proceed forward.

But if they backed down now… How much longer would it take for Lu Chong to recover?

“For me, he was willing to even risk his life. What do I have to fear?”

Recalling how that young man stepped in front of him calmly to protect him, determination gleamed in Zhang Xuan’s eyes.

Lu Chong was willing to give up his life for him.

As the other party’s senior, if he were to back down in the face of danger, what rights did he have to be considered as the other party’s teacher?

Flinging his hands back, Zhang Xuan instructed, “You all wait here, I’ll go in alone… If I don’t return in four hours, I’ll have to trouble Hall Master Sai and Zhao gongzi to help my students and Sun Qiang get out!”

“Teacher, I’m not leaving! I want to follow you!” Zhao Ya stepped forward.

“We share the same thoughts! We’ll follow you no matter where you go!”

Yuan Tao and the others declared resolutely.

If not for Zhang laoshi, they would still be ordinary students in Tianxuan Kingdom. However, at this moment, every single one of them was a Zhizun realm expert, each possessing the strength to lift a mountain.

Since their teacher was willing to put himself with danger to save Lu Chong, how could they, as his students, back down?

Zhang Xuan felt a surge of warmth. However, the situation before him was too bizarre. It was too dangerous to bring them over. After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Xuan shook his head and his complexion darkened, “Are you all going to disobey my orders? Stay here!”

“Teacher, we implore you to not chase us away. How can we possibly watch by the side as you put yourself into danger? Even if we were to survive this ordeal, we’d definitely be plagued by guilt in the future!” Zhao Ya spoke resolutely.

“Teacher, please don’t chase us away! Even if it means disobeying your words, I’ll go with you!” Wang Ying said.

She was usually the most indecisive one of the group, and yet, at this moment, the determination in her eyes was unwavering.

Knowing that his students weren’t able to simply watch on by the side as he ventured through danger, Zhang Xuan eventually nodded his head after a long moment of contemplation. “Since you all have made up your minds, let’s go together then!”

“The teacher for the students, and the students for the teacher. This is what a true relationship between a teacher and student should be!”

Watching this sight, Zhao Feiwu and the others felt touched.

Previously, they had been wondering why a person of Zhang shi’s capability would choose to bring around a bunch of young and weak students along with him. However, at this moment, they realized that the relationship of a teacher and a student transcended far beyond the impartation of knowledge.

A teacher could brave through danger for their students, whereas a student could remain unmoved before danger for their teacher.

It was this self-sacrificial spirit that made the relationship between the two so noble!

Hong long!

At that moment, a powerful aura suddenly descended from the skies. A unique energy began gathering in the world. It was neither spiritual energy nor Origin Energy, but with a single whiff, one could feel their analytical ability growing stronger and their thought process becoming clearer.

This energy swiftly gathered around Zhang Xuan as though a torrent, refining his presence and disposition.

Narrowing her eyes, Zhao Feiwu suddenly thought of something and her lips trembled in disbelief.

“It’s… Celestial Master Teacher!”

Jin Conghai was also taken aback.

“Celestial Master Teacher? H-how… is that possible?”

Celestial Master Teacher meant that even the heavens were acknowledging one’s identity as a master teacher. Even if one didn’t undergo the various examinations of the master teachers, one could still be acknowledged by the masses. Despite the long history of the continent, only Kong shi had ever succeeded in being acknowledged by the heavens. To think that this Zhang shi would manage to achieve the same as well…

Could this really be true?

“Indeed, it’s really Celestial Master Teacher… Furthermore, it doesn’t seem to be just 2-star!”

Hall Master Sai’s face flushed red.

As the head of the only Appraiser Hall in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, as well as a 4-star pinnacle appraiser, he had met with a lot of master teachers. However, he had never heard of a single one being acknowledged by the heavens.

The other party had said that he was a 2-star master teacher so even if the heavens were to acknowledge him, he should only be a 3-star Celestial Master Teacher at maximum. However, the overwhelming energy before him actually made him feel like submitting to the other party.

Without a doubt, the other party wasn’t just a 2-star or 3-star master teacher. However, as for his exact rank, Hall Master Sai wasn’t a master teacher and he had never seen a Celestial Master Teacher before so he couldn’t make a clear gauge.

But regardless of his rank, to be acknowledged by the heavens itself was already sufficient to send a ripple of shock through the world.

“This…”

Contrary to the shock the others were going through, the current Zhang Xuan was a little dumbstruck.

Previously, when he agreed to Zhao Ya and the others’ request, he actually wasn’t too keen on doing so. However, considering that his students would never grow up if he were to protect them tightly beneath his wings, he decided to let go.

It was just like a seedling. If one were to use a wall to shield if from rain and storm, it would never grow tall.

Thus, he reluctantly agreed to it. However, he didn’t expect this to induce another Celestial Master Teacher acknowledgement.

He had undergone such a situation before so even though the inflow of the energy made him a little dizzy, he knew that this was a good chance for him to raise his strength.

Thus, without any hesitation, he immediately sat down on the ground and focused his attention into absorbing the unique energy shrouding him.

Hong long!

With the inflow of this strength, his Soul Depth raised swiftly. His thought process gradually became swifter and clearer.

…

A meeting was taking place in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance’s Master Teacher Pavilion.

“We are the hosts for the Master Teacher Tournament this time around. Make some preparations, we have to at least get a good placing…”

Seated at the center seat, Pavilion Master Kang surveyed the group before him.

Those within the room were all elders of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Su Fan and Ling Yuheng were also within the group.

The location for the Master Teacher Tournament wasn’t fixed. The twenty-seven powers would take turns hosting the event, and it only happened that Myriad Kingdom City would be playing host this time around.

This time, they were going to be battling on their home ground. It would be truly embarrassing if their results were as poor as before.

“Yes!” The crowd nodded their heads.

“This time, our elders have nominated a total of six candidates. I have looked through the information you all have submitted and they are indeed young talents. However, there are only two slots for this tournament so a round of selection will have to be conducted…”

Pavilion Master Kang continued. However, before he could finish his words, his body suddenly froze.

The other elders also noticed something and they narrowed their eyes. They quickly turned their sights toward a single direction.

“Trembling of Myriad Tokens, Harmony of the Chimes… This is acknowledgement of a Celestial Master Teacher?”

After a long period of time, Pavilion Master Kang finally managed to utter with a hoarse voice.

“Even though it’s an acknowledgement of Celestial Master Teacher and it has occurred in our guild… given how the remarkable geniuses of the other powers are gathered in Myriad Kingdom City at the moment, there is a possibility that one of them might be the one who triggered it!”

“Indeed. If they were to be acknowledged by the heavens in Myriad Kingdom City, the phenomenon would appear in our guild… Hurry up and replace out which geniuses are in the city at the moment…”

“It seems like… the champion of this tournament will surely be that person!”

…

The faces of the elders paled, and they muttered to themselves.

Celestial Master Teacher was an existence acknowledged by the heavens itself. In the entire continent, only Kong shi had managed to achieve this feat. Regardless of which power the Celestial Master Teacher came from, there was no doubt that… he would be the champion in the Master Teacher Tournament!

“Could it be… him?”

Different from the reaction of the other elders, Su shi and Ling shi glanced at one another and a figure suddenly appeared in their mind.

But soon, they shook their heads.

He had just completed by 2-star master teacher examination, and he hadn’t even reached Zhizun realm yet. How could he possibly be acknowledged by the heavens?

Thus… it couldn’t be him!

Chapter 505: Oasis of the Mirage Deity

After a long period of time, Zhang Xuan finally finished absorbing the energy in his surroundings and stood up.

As expected of Celestial Master Teacher. Even though his cultivation realm remained the same, at the Prolonged Longevity realm pinnacle, his comprehension of cultivation and battle techniques had deepened.

With just this, his fighting prowess could be said to have raised by at least twofold.

If he could fight equally with a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan intermediate stage previously, he would be able to match up with an advanced stage expert now.

At the same time, his Soul Depth had also raised from 12.1 to 14.1.

Even though an increase of 2.0 was humble as compared to the effects of the Book of Heaven’s Path, if he were to cultivate normally, this leap would require at least decades of effort.

In other words, this acknowledgement of Celestial Master Teacher had saved him at least decades of training for his Soul Depth!

Fearsome!

Also, his Eye of Insight and Impartation of Heaven’s Will had also grown stronger. Using the Eye of Insight, he could now peer through existences two small cultivation tiers above him.

Meaning, he could easily see through the flaws of an Origin Energy realm intermediate stage cultivator already.

As for Impartation of Heaven’s Will, his ability to induce trust in others had grown, and others would replace it hard to refute his words.

He had to expend his Soul Depth to coax Song Chao previously but now, as long as he were to utilize the Impartation of Heaven’s Will, the other party would feel inclined to trust his words automatically.

More importantly, by earning the acknowledge of the heavens, his Will of Mind had also progressed significantly in the Lucid Analytical realm.

As expected of Celestial Master Teacher. Its effects were truly immense to a master teacher.

“Even though there was no change in my cultivation, I can feel that I’m not too far from making a breakthrough!”

With a deeper understanding of cultivation, it wasn’t too difficult for him to bypass the barriers to reaching Origin Energy realm.

After all, he had studied a few hundred Origin Energy realm secret manuals. Even though he hadn’t compiled a flawless version of Heaven’s Path Divine Art yet, he had a clear idea on the direction of his cultivation. As long as he had sufficient spirit stones, making a breakthrough wasn’t too difficult.

“I should try to look at the field of grass before me once more with the Eye of Insight!”

Thinking that he might be see something new with his improved Eye of Insight, Zhang Xuan lifted his gaze.

“It isn’t a formation or a mechanical trap!”

There was a huge disparity between what he could see before and what he was seeing now. The previous obscurity had become crystal clear to Zhang Xuan’s eyes.

“Did Zhang shi notice something?”

The crowd turned their gazes over.

They had never seen a Celestial Master Teacher before, but as a legend of the Master Teacher Pavilion, they knew that it was anything but ordinary.

“It is a method used by soul oracles to beguile souls. In other words, what you all are seeing is fake, a mirage!” said Zhang Xuan, frowning.

“But if it’s a mirage, why did the puppet suddenly disappear?” Luo Zhu found the matter hard to believe.

At most, a mirage should only be able to confuse one. This explanation couldn’t account for the disappearance of the puppet.

The puppet had disappeared right after walking through the passageway. It was clear that some powerful formation had transported it away.

“Soul oracles have the ability to beguile all lifeforms possessing souls. They can make us all see the same image, and thus, inducing us to believe that what that lay before us is real. However… puppets are different. Puppets have no soul and consciousness, and as such, they can’t be beguiled… Thus, it’s not that the puppet disappeared but that it has stepped through the passageway. Since it is unable to enter the mirage, naturally, we can’t see it,” Zhang Xuan explained.

Soul oracles could beguile lifeforms possessing souls and muddle their ability to distinguish truth from false. However, puppets were different. Possessing no consciousness, they couldn’t be beguiled and naturally, they would step right through the mirage.

“If it’s true… then could this be the soul oracle’s… [Oasis of the Mirage Deity]?”

Suddenly recalling something, Luo Zhu’s face paled and he nearly fell to the ground.

“Oasis of the Mirage Deity?”

Everyone was baffled. Even the knowledgeable Hall Master Sai was confused.

“Oasis of the Mirage Deity is a skill unique to soul oracles. They are capable of using their soul energy to create an incomparably realistic sight that subconsciously draws one in, similar to the oasis in the desert. The moment one steps into the mirage, one’s soul will be forcefully torn from one’s body and come under the control of the soul oracle…”

Luo Zhu trembled as he explained.

“One’s soul will be forcefully torn from one’s body?”

Everyone was shocked.

The greatest weakness of the soul oracles was their physical body. Once one lost this advantage over them, wouldn’t one be powerless to their whims?

“Indeed. If we had entered just now, our souls would be torn from our body. Even if we managed to survive… We would be as good as dead!”

Cold sweat seeped down Luo Zhu’s head.

The faces of the others also paled.

It was fortunate that they didn’t charge ahead upon realizing the peculiarity of the matter. If they had really rushed over, they would have died for nothing.

As expected of a soul oracle. Even their means were hard to guard against.

“Just that… one has to be at least 6-star to be capable of utilizing the Oasis of the Mirage Deity. Could this be… the tomb of a 6-star soul oracle?” Luo Zhu asked doubtfully.

Oasis of the Mirage Deity wasn’t a skill that just any soul oracle could utilize. Only upon reaching 6-star would one be able to set it up.

Just like master teachers and other Upper Nine Paths occupation, the techniques of the soul oracles also had a requisite on one’s cultivation… As such, the ranking of a soul oracle was also linked to his cultivation realm.

A 6-star soul oracle would possess a cultivation realm at the zenith of the Transcendent Mortal realm!

Even if it was lacking a physical body, it wasn’t an opponent that they could face.

“I think that it would be best if we leave right now!” Hall Master Sai’s eyebrows leaped in unease.

Even though he was interested in seeing the tomb of a soul oracle and view the various artifacts contained within… he didn’t have the courage to disturb the tomb of a former 6-star soul oracle.

Jin Conghai clenched his fists tightly and said, “Indeed. It’s best for us to not get involved with an expert of this level…”

The more knowledgeable one was, the more one understood one’s own ignorance. Similarly, the higher one’s cultivation realm was, the more they understood how powerful the top-notch experts were.

Understanding the irreconcilable gap between them and a person who once stood at the zenith of Transcendent Mortals, they didn’t dare to proceed any further.

They knew that with their force, they would never be able to deal with a 6-star soul oracle, no matter how many years he had been dead for.

“Leave? That’s a good idea…”

Lifting his head, Zhang Xuan smiled bitterly, “But it’s already too late…”

“Hee hee hee!”

At that moment, everyone suddenly felt a chill and a sinister laughter echoed in the passageway.

“To think that my Oasis of the Mirage Deity would be seen through so easily. Not bad, it seems that quite a few bodies have come this time!”

The voice was bizarrely shrill, and it seemed to echo straight within the depths of one’s soul, leaving one feeling unnerved.

Huala!

In an instant, the flowers, clouds, and blue sky before them disappeared, and a huge, empty hall appeared in its place.

In the large hall, there was only a single coffin placed at a distance forty to fifty meters away from the crowd. It was hard to tell how large it was from this distance, but from the looks of it, it was significantly bigger and heavier than the other four coffins in the first chamber.

“You wish to possess us?” Zhang Xuan narrowed his eyes.

Entering the Lucid Analytical realm, Zhang Xuan felt no anxiety, fear, or any negative emotions.

“After such a long sleep, since someone dared to stumble into my tomb, of course I should claim their bodies for my own use!” The voice chuckled.

As the other party spoke, Zhang Xuan scanned his surroundings with his Eye of Insight

Regardless of how powerful the other party was, he had already been dead for innumerable years. Given how he would rather resort to using a mirage than deal with them personally, it could only mean that… he wasn’t as powerful as they thought he was.

As long as Zhang Xuan found his hiding spot, there might be a chance to turn the situation around.

However, to his disappointment, he couldn’t replace any trace of the other party at all.

“Don’t waste your effort. If I don’t want to appear, do you think that you can replace me with your mediocre skills?” Seemingly noticing Zhang Xuan’s intentions, the voice sounded once more.

Zhang Xuan fell silent.

The voice was transmitted straight into their soul, making it impossible to trace him via sound. It would indeed be difficult to replace him so long as he wished to remain hidden.

Turning around to glance at Jin Conghai and Hall Master Sai, the duo also shook their heads.

It seemed like the two of them had the same idea in mind as well.

Just as Zhang Xuan was racking his brain for a solution, Jin Conghai’s voice sounded.

“Zhang shi, I’ll try to stall for time. You should take the chance to leave with gongzi and the others!”

Turning his head, he saw that Jin Conghai’s eyes were filled with the determination of a soldier ready to meet his demise.

“You have an idea in mind?” Zhang Xuan sent a telepathic message.

“I don’t. However, I do have a few poisons that work on souls so it might be effective against him!” Jin Conghai replied grimly.

The effects on poison weren’t just limited to the physical body. Some of the more formidable poison could dissipate souls as well.

Taking Zhang Xuan’s Innate Fetal Poison for example, it was planted in him while he was still a fetus. Given the nearly absolute nature of the poison, it was, in a sense, more fearsome than a soul-dissipating poison.

“You wish to poison me? Hahaha, you should try to replace me first!”

In the midst of the discussion of the duo, the voice sounded once more.

“You can listen to telepathic messages?” Zhang Xuan widened his eyes in astonishment.

They had communicated previously using telepathy, and only the two of them should know of the content of their words. Even Hall Master Sai, who was standing by the side, was completely oblivious to their interaction. Yet, this fellow actually could tell that Jin Conghai intended to poison him…

That was way too fearsome!

“Hah, it isn’t just your telepathic message. Via your souls, I can even tell what you all are thinking!”

Harrumphing coldly, the voice continued, “I advise you all not to make any futile struggles. Even though there is no danger lying in wait in the passageway, it can be locked down. While you all were beguiled by the Oasis of the Mirage Deity, I locked down the area. It’s too late for you to be thinking of leaving!”

Hearing those words, everyone turned their heads around and their faces immediately paled.

Just as the other party had said, the passageway behind had been sealed tightly by a stone wall.

“Let me give it a try!”

With an awful complexion, Jin Conghai gathered his strength and struck the stone wall heavily.

Hong long!

There was a massive tremor. However, the stone wall seemed to have been protected by something powerful. Even the strength of a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan was unable to move it, needless to say, shatter it.

“Let me give it a try as well!”

Stepping forward, Hall Master Sai took out a saber and slashed the stone wall several times. However, just like Jin Conghai, he didn’t leave the slightest damage on the wall.

“This is the [Dragon Severing Lock] set up by a 6-star celestial designer. Only those who harness the strength of a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan cultivator can break it. You only have two fates before you. You will either meet your death here, or you will end up serving as my body…”

The voice chuckled.

“Dragon Severing Lock?”

Everyone’s complexion became extremely awful.

Advancing and retreating weren’t an option for them. Were they really going to… die like that?

Chapter 506: Let Me Start with a Thousand Books

“The Dragon Severing Lock is usually the final line of defense used for a fortress. It’s designed such that one would be unable to break it unless one’s cultivation reaches the required level… Even the celestial designer who set up the trap himself would replace it hard to open it!”

Hall Master Sai’s complexion darkened.

This was the final resort of celestial designers, similar to how a cultivator self-destructs when forced into a corner. Unless the circumstances were dire, no one would go to such an extent. Usually, it was only to block out one’s enemies or to die along with one’s nemesis that such a trap would be activated.

The moment it fell, there was no way to undo it. Even dragons would be unable to enter, thus the name ‘Dragon Severing’.

Unless one’s strength surpassed the tolerance limit of the wall, one wouldn’t be able to break it. In this case, it was Transcendent Mortal 9-dan.

Otherwise, it was futile.

“Then… Doesn’t that mean that we can’t leave?”

Even the strongest of them was only a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan. Under such circumstances, wouldn’t they be locked down forever?

If they couldn’t even break the wall, how could they leave the area?

“Let me take a look!”

Frowning, Zhang Xuan walked up to the stone door, touched it with his finger, and a book appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“Grade-6 Dragon Severing Lock, designed and crafted by 6-star Celestial Designer Hu Yangzi. It is crafted from a unique material, making it extremely resilient. Flaws No. 1: The crafting method…”

After reading through the book, Zhang Xuan’s face turned extremely awful.

Even though Dragon Severing Lock had its flaws, it wasn’t something that someone of his level of strength could exploit.

In other words… what the other party said was true. No one of strength below Transcendent Mortal 9-dan could break this wall.

What should he do?

Were they really going to be trapped here until their death?

Just as Zhang Xuan was ransacking his mind for a solution, Zhao Feiwu’s voice echoed, “There’s no need to worry. Since he intends to possess one of us, there must be another escape route. Otherwise, how does he intend to get out?”

“This…”

“That’s right!”

Everyone was stunned for a moment before their eyes lit up.

Since this fellow was going to possess one of them, he must have an escape route ready for himself. After all, how could he plunge himself into this kind of desperate situation?

“We can replace a way to leave after we deal with this fellow. Our most imminent danger isn’t regarding our confinement!” Zhang Xuan said.

Even if they couldn’t get out, the rations in their storage rings were sufficient to sustain everyone here for several years. Factoring in the spirit stones they had on top of that, it should be impossible for them to die out of natural causes within the short term.

Currently, the greatest threat they were facing was the owner of the tomb. If they didn’t replace and eradicate the hidden soul oracle, they would surely be unable to get out of here alive.

Hearing Zhang Xuan’s words, the voice harrumphed coldly.

“Deal with me? Are you sure you have the capability to do so?”

“Regardless of whether we do or not, we still have to give it a try!” Stepping forward, Jin Conghai flicked his wrist and took out a jade bottle. Then, he carefully surveyed the surroundings, as though trying to replace the other party’s location.

“Give it a try? Let me show you how laughable that idea is then!”

Wu!

After that, a ray of light suddenly shot across the hall. Before Jin Conghai could react, he was struck squarely on his chest.

Pu!

He flew all the way back and crashed heavily against the wall. Huge mouthfuls of blood gushed from him.

“Elder Jin!”

Not expecting that the strongest member, Jin Conghai, would be defeated in a single move, everyone clenched their fists tightly.

To be capable of subduing a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan in an instant, even if the other party wasn’t a 6-star soul oracle, he still wasn’t someone that they could deal with.

Even though Jin Conghai was injured, Zhang Xuan didn’t panic. Rather, he made use of this opportunity to quickly glance at the direction where the light appeared from.

Weng!

A book appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path. Zhang Xuan hurriedly flipped it open and read through it.

“It’s an attack from a mechanical trap?”

Zhang Xuan frowned.

The previous attack didn’t come from the soul oracle but a mechanical trap.

In other words… It was impossible for him to locate the other party from the previous attack.

“It’s impossible for the soul oracle to show any opening that would betray his location. Otherwise, we would be able to guard against him and hinder his possession!”

Upon seeing Zhang Xuan’s action, Luo Zhu immediately sent a telepathic message over.

“That’s true!” Zhang Xuan nodded his agreement.

When a soul oracle possessed the body of another, they would enter via one’s acupoints. If one were to seal the acupoint in advance and repel the soul oracle, it would become extremely difficult for the soul oracle to succeed.

After all, what the soul oracle was doing was expelling the original soul of the body and forcefully fusing their soul with the body. If the original owner were to struggle violently, it might cause irreparable damage to the body. If so, it would be meaningless even if the soul oracle successfully possessed the body.

This was the reason why that fellow would not allow himself to be noticed until he struck.

Besides, it was also possible that a member of the group might have some specialized equipment to deal with souls. This would put him at risk.

“Don’t even think of replaceing me. It’s impossible for you all to kill me; you’re all still too weak!”

Hearing the telepathic conversation between the duo, the voice continued haughtily, “Since you have entered my tomb, you should have been prepared to be possessed. However… I can only possess one of you so… the rest will be safe.”

“Safe? Hah, like it would be that simple!” Hall Master Sai harrumphed.

Given how the other party locked all of them in this chamber, how could it be so simple?

He didn’t believe that the other fellow would allow any of them to leave after successfully possessing one body.

After all, soul oracles were a forbidden existence. If news that one had possessed the body of another were to get out, that person would surely be pursued to the ends of the world.

“By safe, I meant that you won’t have to die for the time being. As for how long you can live for, it’ll depend on your choice!”

The voice chuckled.

“Choice?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

The voice said, “Indeed. I’ll give you all two choices now. I have a total of three trials here. If you can clear the trials, I will consider sparing you. However, you still won’t be allowed to leave. I will leave you here to do whatever you need to survive!”

“Trial?” Everyone was taken aback.

Wasn’t this fellow going to possess them? What in the world were the trials for then?

Zhang Xuan was also perplexed.

Usually, trials would only be prepared for the various examinations for master teachers and the other unique occupations. Given how powerful the other party was, killing them should be a walk in the park. What was the point of going through so much trouble?

However, given that they were stuck now and that the other party had control over the mechanical traps, their life and death were in the hands of the other party. No matter how bewildered they were, they weren’t in the position to reject the other party’s conditions.

“What about the alternative option?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“The other option is that I’ll kill you all one by one until someone is willing to challenge the trial!” The voice harrumphed.

Not expecting the second condition to be about the trial as well, the crowd felt even more baffled.

What was this fellow’s motive for insisting for them to challenge the trial?

“Could this be… selection of the reception lamb?” Luo Zhu suddenly asked.

“Selection of the reception lamb?” Zhang Xuan’s mouth twitched.

Selection of the reception lamb was a term commonly used by herders.

Usually, when a guest visited, a herder would slaughter a lamb to welcome him. However, how to choose the most suitable lamb to welcome the guest warmly was a problem.

Thus, they would allow the lamb to run on the fields. The one that ran the fastest and most happily would surely have the best meat texture.

Could the soul oracle be intending to do the same as well? Through the trials, he would choose the one possessing the most suitable physical constitution to possess. This way, his soul could better fuse with the body and the decline of his cultivation would be minimized.

“That’s very possible!”

Contemplating over the issue for a moment, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in agreement.

There was a high possibility that this was the case.

Which body to possess was also an important choice for a soul oracle as well. Taking that soul which possessed Luo Zhu previously, not only did his cultivation plummet, it would also be very difficult for him to successfully fuse with the body.

Even if he were to succeed, due to the incompatible constitution, his future achievements would have been limited as well.

Making an analogy, it was just like forcing a person adept in swordsmanship to use a hammer instead.

No matter how good a physical body was, as long as it was incompatible, one would be unable to bring out its full strength.

It was highly possible that that fellow was harboring such thoughts when asking them to challenge the trials. Through the selection, he would replace the most suitable constitution for him to possess.

Otherwise, how could an ancient soul be so bored as to seal the chamber using the Dragon Severing Lock just to fool around with them?

Most probably, he had already decided on this from the moment the group entered the tomb. The main reason why he didn’t make any move earlier was to wait until they entered this passageway so as to seal their escape route. Only then did he finally reveal his existence.

“That’s right, I’m indeed choosing the finest lamb among you lot… Why, are you afraid?” Hearing their conversation, the voice sounded once more.

“Afraid? Why would we be?”

Shaking his head, Zhang Xuan said. “Where is your trial? Bring it out so that we can take a look!”

“That’s more like it!”

Seeing Zhang Xuan agree to the matter, the voice sounded a little pleased. “Don’t think that I won’t lay my eyes on you just because you failed the trial! My selection criterion is your constitution, not the speed and means you use to clear the trial! Remember this, only those who pass the trial will not be killed. Those who fail… regretfully, you’ll have to bid everyone else farewell!”

Hong long!

The ground tremored and a massive stone tablet appeared in the center of the hall.

“This is the most basic ‘Soul Guiding Formula’ of the soul oracles. Study it, and within ten days, you must be able to draw your soul out of your body to clear the trial. Otherwise, the traps will eliminate you immediately!”

The voice instructed impassively.

“Soul Guiding Formula?”

Looking at the stone tablet, Zhang Xuan saw a dense congregation of words on it. The three large words inscribed at the very top seemed to pierce straight into one’s soul, jolting one’s consciousness.

Soul Guiding Formula!

The cultivation technique of soul oracles!

To think that the first trial would be learning a cultivation technique.

“It seems like this fellow is trying to replace one with a constitution compatible with the arts of soul oracles!” Zhang Xuan came to a realization. “Indeed, being capable of executing the Soul Guiding Formula would mean that one is compatible with the arts of soul oracle. Possessing a body with such constitution, the other party would be able to resume his cultivation and return to his pinnacle state!”

One who was adept at swordsmanship would naturally wish to possess a swordmaster. With a constitution suited for sword arts, it would be easier for him to relearn his techniques.

As a soul oracle, the other party definitely wished to replace someone capable of learning soul oracle cultivation techniques. It would be much easier for him to cultivate this way.

“Don’t bother trying your luck and waiting until the last day before drawing your soul out. It is completely pointless. Whether one has talent in soul oracle arts doesn’t depend on how fast one grasps the Soul Guiding Method. Besides… once you start learning the Soul Guiding Method, you won’t have a choice in the matter…”

Afraid that the group wouldn’t put their effort into learning the Soul Guiding Method, the voice added.

However, before he could finish his words, the impassive voice of a young man voice said, “This Soul Guiding Method seems not bad… Do you have any other similar cultivation techniques to this? The more there are, the better… Why don’t you bring out a thousand books for me to browse through first?”

The voice was taken aback. “A thousand books?”

Chapter 507: Heaven’s Path Soul Art

Not only was the voice stumped, even Hall Master Sai and the others were stunned, and they nearly spurted blood.

Bring out a thousand books for you to browse through first…

Why did it feel less like a trial and more like ordering dishes in a restaurant instead?

I don’t know whether the food will be delicious or not so I’ll take a serving first…

“The Soul Guiding Formula is the foundation art of soul oracles. There is only one formula and cultivation technique manual!”

After a moment of silence, the soul oracle hiding in the darkness finally harrumphed coldly.

“It is the only one?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

“That’s right. All soul oracles cultivate via this method, there are no other alternatives!”

After which, the voice continued, “Begin cultivating now. You will only be considered to have cleared the trial if you draw out your soul within ten days!”

“Alright!”

Knowing that there should be no other traps involved since the other party was conducting a trial, the group walked out from the passageway toward the stone tablet.

Zhang Xuan had no idea who inscribed the tablet, but it had a bizarre beauty to it. Just by looking at the characters, one would feel tranquil.

“He’s probably really a 6-star soul oracle!”

This was already equivalent to a fifth level painting. Most probably, the soul oracle who inscribed the stone tablet had a deep understanding into the study of souls. There was a high chance that what Luo Zhu said was true—the fellow who was speaking to them from the dark was a 6-star soul oracle.

He lightly brushed his finger over the stone tablet.

Hu!

A corresponding book appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“Soul Guiding Formula, the foundation art of soul oracles. Created by the first soul oracle, Liu Mozi, it can separate one’s soul from one’s physical body. Flaws: …”

Written on the first page was an introduction to the Soul Guiding Formula, followed by the flaws.

“There’s only ten flaws, that’s not too bad.”

Casually flipping through it, Zhang Xuan realized that there were only ten flaws in the cultivation technique.

Most of the cultivation techniques that Zhang Xuan seen before had from a few hundred to more than a thousand flaws. This showed that throughout the course of the inheritance of the Soul Guiding Formula, it had been refined continuously and it was gradually approaching perfection.

It was no wonder that this fellow said there was only a set of foundation formula. It was already incredible that there could be such a cultivation technique like this that was so close to perfection. For a second one like this to appear was nearly impossible.

There was only a single Heaven’s Path, and the fewer mistakes there were, the closer one was to the truth. It was hard to replace another one different from it.

“Let me see what flaws are there first!”

Zhang Xuan lowered his head to take a look.

“No. 1, upon successfully mastering the formula, one’s cultivation will be conjoined onto one’s soul, turning one’s physical body into an empty shell. On top of that, the compatibility between one’s soul and body will deteriorate. Even though one will look no different from a normal person, one would be actually driving the body using one’s soul…”

After reading the first flaw, Zhang Xuan’s complexion turned awful.

Going by what was said above, if he were to successfully draw his soul out, it would be equivalent to tearing his soul and body apart. Even if he were to continue driving his own body, it would be, in truth, no different from driving a puppet. Other than the soul oracle cultivation technique, he would be unable to cultivate any other normal cultivation technique.

It was just like driving a car. After mastering the Soul Guiding Technique, one’s physical body would become the car whereas one’s soul would become the driver. No matter how good one’s driving skill was… it was impossible to reach the same level of control as moving one’s own body.

In other words, once he successfully draws out his soul, it would be equivalent to giving up on his own physical body and his past cultivation.

In the future, even if he could live on for an eternity through possessing others, he would also become an unnatural being that had to live in the shadows…

Zhang Xuan was originally thinking of learning the techniques of the occupation but after reading that first flaw, he immediately lost his interest.

Browsing on.

Soon, he finished looking through all ten of the flaws and gained a perfect understanding of the Soul Guiding Formula.

“If I cultivate according to this formula and succeed, I’ll become a monster. But if I don’t, there’s a high chance I might be killed by that fellow…”

Zhang Xuan frowned

Previously, as he didn’t understand soul oracles, he didn’t think much of them. However, after knowing that the cultivation method was filled with such fatal flaws, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Putting aside how his Heaven’s Path Divine Art was paralleled and he would stand the top of the world as long as he cultivates accordingly, just the fact that his soul and body would be separate entities, making him no different from a monster, was already something he wished not.

Besides, he was afflicted with the Innate Fetal Poison. As long as he didn’t reach the level of a 9-star master teacher by thirty, even if he were to become just a soul, he would still die.

The Innate Fetal Poison was something that even Kong shi was unable to replace a solution for. If becoming a soul oracle could really fix that problem, the latter wouldn’t have had to go to the extent of diving into the deep oceans, stepping onto the treacherous plains, and entering into underground chambers, putting himself in so much danger just to raise his cultivation swiftly.

“This technique shouldn’t be cultivated, but I don’t have a choice right now…”

The person hiding in the dark was at least a 6-star soul oracle, a being far beyond their means. Besides… Even if they had sufficient strength to deal with him, the other party could still easily kill them via the mechanical traps installed all around the hall.

If he cultivated the Soul Guiding Formula, it would be impossible for him to remain as a master teacher and by thirty-year-old, the Innate Fetal Poison would take effect and he would die.

But if he didn’t cultivate, he would be killed by the other party.

It was certain doom regardless of whether he did it or not.

He felt so frustrated that his head was aching.

“Hm? If I replace a way to improve the Soul Guiding Formula so that the soul and body and separate and fuse back perfectly together, won’t the problem be solved?”

After contemplating for a moment, Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up and a thought popped into his head.

There were flaws in this Soul Guiding Art but as long as he filled up the gaps and created a perfect Heaven’s Path cultivation technique, wouldn’t he be able to cultivate it without incurring such problems?

Heaven’s Path cultivation techniques were perfect. As long as he could compile one out, he wouldn’t face the problem of an incompatibility between his soul and body after drawing his soul out.

“But where can I replace additional soul oracle cultivation techniques to make up for those flaws?”

Zhang Xuan frowned.

Soul oracle cultivation techniques were mainly centered around ‘will’ and ‘soul’. The cultivation technique manuals that Zhang Xuan had collected before were all revolving around ‘physical body’ and ‘zhenqi’. They were both very different things, and he wouldn’t be able to form a Heaven’s Path cultivation technique even if he were to put it together.

Only by replaceing more soul oracle cultivation techniques would he be able to perfect the Soul Guiding Formula.

But… the lineage of the soul oracles had already disappeared for innumerable years, and the fellow hiding in the dark didn’t have any more of such manuals.

Just as Zhang Xuan was in dilemma, a thought suddenly struck him and he slapped his forehead.

“Hm? Why do I have to look for soul oracle cultivation techniques? Actually, wouldn’t cultivation techniques that are beneficial to the soul work as well?”

He had been going down the wrong path previously.

In the end, soul oracles were just individuals who learned a unique soul-related cultivation technique. Their aim was to gain the ability to transfuse their soul into another individual and possess their body to achieve the goal of ‘immortality’. Even though Zhang Xuan was unable to replace any soul oracle cultivation techniques, he had a bunch of soul cultivation techniques in his arsenal.

In his journey from Tianxuan Kingdom, all the libraries that he visited would have several books concerning the psyche and the soul.

Even though they were foundation manuals, and there wasn’t much benefit from cultivating them… he had a huge mountain of them!

These manuals were useless to him previously, but if he were to compile them along with this Soul Guiding Art, what would happen?

With fiery eyes, Zhang Xuan chuckled lightly as he willed.

“Soul cultivation technique and psyche cultivation technique manuals!”

Huala!

All of the related books immediately appeared before Zhang Xuan. There was a huge quantity of them, and placed side by side, they could easily fill up ten of the humongous bookshelves within the Library of Heaven’s Path. Making a rough estimation, there were at least a few dozen thousand of them.

The psyche and the soul were also important to a cultivator, and as such, there were quite a lot of cultivation techniques on them as well.

However, they were much cruder compared to the Soul Guiding Formula.

Most of them were about putting one through hardship so as to build one’s mental fortitude.

“Compile!” Zhang Xuan muttered.

Hula!

The several dozen thousand books immediately fused together to form a single book.

Zhang Xuan hurriedly grabbed it and opened it up.

“The soul of a human is incomparably profound and mystical. It can be cultivated along with one’s body, and it can also be drawn out individually. The body and the soul are two separate entities, and yet, they form a single whole…”

A new cultivation method was detailed in the book.

Swiftly looking through it, Zhang Xuan’s breathing hastened and his eyes gleamed in excitement.

As expected… There were no flaws!

A Heaven’s Path cultivation technique!

Compiling the soul oracle’s Soul Guiding Formula along with the psyche and soul cultivation techniques of ordinary cultivators would actually create a perfect cultivation technique!

The issue of incompatibility between one’s soul and body would become non-existent!

In other words, cultivating this technique, one could become a soul oracle. However, one wouldn’t be bound by the limitations of soul oracles. One’s soul would still be able to fuse perfectly with one’s body, and one would still be able to cultivate like an ordinary cultivator.

All of the flaws from before had been perfectly solved!

“Great! Time to cultivate!”

Even though it sounded complicated, all of this only happened in a few breaths. After swiftly memorizing the Soul Guiding Formula, Zhang Xuan gathered his concentration and started to cultivate.

The energy in his body flurried as he gradually drew his soul out from his body.

Heaven’s Path Soul Art was just a technique to draw one’s soul out from one’s body. There was no need to absorb spiritual energy or utilize external tools such as spirit stones or that sort. As such, its cultivation was exceedingly easy.

Geji! Geji!

It felt as though he was forcing something out from his body, and yet at the same time, it felt as though he was leaping off a tall cliff. For a moment, he seemed to have lost control of himself.

Weng!

The world before him immediately changed. When Zhang Xuan finally regained his composure, he saw another him standing quietly before him. On the other hand, he was floating lightly in the air.

His soul had successfully left his body!

As expected of a Heaven’s Path cultivation technique. It didn’t take him too long to successfully cultivate the Heaven’s Path Soul Art.

Looking around the surroundings, Zhang Xuan tried to see if he could sense the soul oracle’s presence but to no avail.

It seemed like that fellow was hiding in a secure location. Otherwise, it was impossible for even the Eye of Insight to be unable to detect him.

Hu!

He returned to his body.

His vision suddenly turned dark and he staggered.

Even though his soul didn’t leave his body for too long, he still felt extreme fatigue.

Only after circulating his Heaven’s Path zhenqi around his body did he recover slightly.

Opening his eyes once more, he saw Zhao Ya and the others gathering around him with worried eyes.

“Teacher, are you alright…”

They had just barely finished reading through the Soul Guiding Formula, and before they had the time to fully comprehend the essence of it, they saw their teacher stumble so they immediately rushed forward worriedly.

“I’m fine!”

Zhang Xuan chuckled. However, a doubt suddenly rose in his mind.

When his soul left his body previously, that soul oracle should have noticed something. If so, why wasn’t he reacting?

Could it be that… a soul drawn using the Heaven’s Path Soul Art was different from that of a soul oracle’s, that’s why he didn’t notice anything?

“Let me give it a try!”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes gleamed and the edges of his lips curled up. Facing the crowd, he waved his hands.

“Everyone, don’t cultivate the technique first. I’ve looked through the formula and I realized that it’s impossible for one to successfully draw out one’s soul using this. I think he’s trying to dupe us by giving us a bogus cultivation technique!”

“Bogus cultivation technique? Ridiculous!”

Hearing those words, a cold voice boomed across the hall.

Chapter 508: I Can Teach You

The crowd didn’t expect Zhang shi to say such words, and they were perplexed.

“Ridiculous?”

Zhang Xuan shook his head. “Look at this verse ‘Diffusing the zhenqi throughout one’s body into the various acupoints to augment the materialization of the soul’. Under normal circumstances, a cultivator would gather the zhenqi from the acupoints into the dantian so as to store, accumulate, and utilize it. However, this verse is telling one to dissipate their zhenqi, that’s no different from crippling one’s own cultivation… If one were to really do so, how are they to advance their cultivation in the future? Even if they were originally powerful, if they were to cultivate using this formula, they will only grow weaker and weaker!”

“This…”

Everyone was stunned.

It was normal for zhenqi to flow to and fro the acupoint and dantian. Only through this would a cultivator’s body and soul be nourished and grow stronger.

But why did Zhang Xuan speak as though it was crippling one’s cultivation?

“Now that you speak of it… It does seem a bit like crippling one’s cultivation!” After a moment of silence, Hall Master Sai finally spoke up.

Even though it was normal for one to diffuse one’s zhenqi across the acupoints in his body, if one were to do it at a rapid rate, it would be the method to crippling one’s cultivation.

“My words aren’t wrong, are they?” Seeing that someone was agreeing with him, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction. “You are trying to have us slowly dissipate our own cultivation so as to get rid of us in one go!”

The Library of Heaven’s Path detailed the various flaws of the Soul Guiding Formula. All Zhang Xuan had to do was to state a few.

That voice harrumphed.

“Nonsense! Only by diffusing one’s zhenqi to the various acupoints will one be able to protect one’s soul with zhenqi so that it can exist out of the body. Otherwise, given how none of you have reached Consonant Spirit realm, your souls won’t be able to move around independently considering how limited your soul energy is!”

Upon reaching Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm, one’s soul energy would be significantly boosted, allowing even an ordinary cultivator to be able to draw his soul out of his body. However, given that their cultivation didn’t allow for it yet, they could only guard their own souls with zhenqi. Why did the other party speak as though it was a cultivation crippling technique?

“Protecting one’s soul with zhenqi? You sure know how to phrase your words. Fine, let me ask you then. What does one’s zhenqi gushing out of the huishen acupoint mean? The huishen acupoint is the area where one’s spirit is concentrated. If zhenqi were to gush out of this area, it could potentially result in death! If I’m not mistaken, if one were to cultivate using this formula, even if one manages to draw one’s soul out of one’s body, one’s body would suffer tremendous damage or even die!” Zhang Xuan said.

The voice fell silent.

One of the most important aspects of drawing one’s soul out of one’s body was the death of one’s physical body. Only then would one’s soul be free from its physical restraint to wander around freely.

But of course, as long as the soul were to return to the physical body, one’s heartbeat would resume and one would be ‘resurrected’.

Not allowing the other party to continue speaking, Zhang Xuan harrumphed and continued. “Taking me for example, with my cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 1-dan, even if I were to successfully draw my soul out, the compatibility between my body and soul would deteriorate. If I’m not mistaken, to sustain my appearance as an ordinary human on the surface, I would have to consume pills every day! Am I right?”

Even if it was just a temporary separation between one’s body and soul, after the body experienced a temporary state of pseudo-death, the compatibility between one’s body and soul would deteriorate. Without pills to sustain oneself, it was just a matter of time before one’s bodily functions deteriorated, and death marks started appearing on one’s body.

It was just like how organ transplants in his previous life worked. Once one donated one’s own organ, even if one were to receive it back, one’s own body would still reject it. Without medicine to sustain oneself, it would just be a matter of time before it was spoiled.

“You… How did you know?” The voice exclaimed in bewilderment.

This was a secret among soul oracles, and they made sure never to let outsiders learn of it. How in the world did this young man learn of it?

“It doesn’t matter whether how I learned of it. While it’s true that reaching Consonant Spirit realm can help to alleviate the damage caused by the Soul Guiding Formula… even for one as strong as you, do you dare to walk in the midst of a storm?” Zhang Xuan continued.

“I…”

The voice quivered.

Souls were of yin attribute whereas lightning was a highly yang attribute natural phenomenon. Even if a soul oracle was hiding within a body, they would still have to retreat before lightning. They would no longer be able to live life as an ordinary human.

Similar to the issue of one being rejected by his own body, this was a highly-guarded secret of soul oracles… For that fellow to deduce so much with just a glance at the Soul Guiding Formula… Are you for real?

Knowing that it was impossible for the flaws recorded in the Library of Heaven’s Path to be wrong, Zhang Xuan chuckled.

Placing his hands behind his back, he walked up to the tablet and spoke slowly, “Putting aside lightning, let’s talk about the onset of the night, a daily occurrence. Every day, at zi hour (23:00 – 01:00), when the yin energy is the most concentrated, when yin energy seeps into your body, do you feel an unbearable itch plaguing you, and only by drawing one’s soul out is the itch alleviated?”

“Soul oracles don’t rely on a physical body for their strength! So what if one’s physical body is in discomfort? As long as one’s soul remains fine, that isn’t a trouble at all?”

Stumped once more, the voice harrumphed coldly.

“You’re right. The soul oracle’s greatest strength is their soul. Even if their physical body is ruined, it isn’t a huge deal for them. They can simply possess another one and through such, live on in perpetuity… However, without the protection of a physical body, can you really survive… the Five Soul Declines?”

Lifting his fingers, Zhang Xuan named, “Possession Decline, Senescence Decline, Combat Decline, Searing Yang Decline, and the most fearsome of all, Sense Decline!”

“You… actually know of the Five Soul Declines?”

The voice was no longer able to retain its calmness.

“Possession Decline refers to the natural decline of strength when possessing the body of another. Even at the minimum, it would cause a drop of two whole cultivation realms. As such, unless truly required, a soul oracle won’t possess anybody.

“Senescence Decline refers to the irreconcilable conflict between one’s soul and physical body. This will cause one’s soul to slowly deteriorate with time. In order to maintain one’s strength, one can only continue cultivating frenziedly.

“Combat Decline refers to how one’s cultivation would decline when using soul energy to fight. As such, what soul oracles specialize in is beguiling souls and creating fearsome mirages. In truth, soul oracles rarely fight squarely.

“Searing Yang Decline. Just as said before, soul oracles don’t dare to come into contact with elements that are rich in yang energy. Just by coming into proximity with such objects can cause your soul to weaken.

“While the first four declines are troublesome, they are still avoidable. What is the most fearsome of them all is the fifth one… Senses Decline!

“A human possesses five senses and six perceptions. They are able to perceive shame, distinguish right from wrong, and comprehend pride and honor. However, souls are incapable of housing these. The more intense the emotion, the greater to the damage to one’s soul. A soul oracle’s emotion would cause huge ripples in their soul, resulting in their soul energy dissipating automatically…”

Chuckling softly, Zhang Xuan raised his eyelids and asked, “Is there any mistake in what I’ve said?”

Terrified, the voice stuttered, “Y-you…”

The heaven is fair. Soul oracles were able to live a significantly longer lifespan than their peers, but in exchange, they had to suffer pain unimaginable by others.

They were bound by innumerable restrictions. They weren’t permitted to love or hate, and they were confined to remaining only within the shadows.

Just that… the Five Soul Declines was a classified secret among the soul oracles. Even the Master Teacher Pavilion failed to uncover this matter back then. So how in the world did this fellow learn of it?

Was it because of the Soul Guiding Formula?

If that was really the case, wasn’t his understanding of cultivation techniques a little, no, way too deep?

After recovering from his shock, the voice harrumphed.

“You… There’s no need to talk so much! All cultivators, regardless of whether they are a soul oracle or not, are fighting against the heavens, so how can their lives possibly be smooth-sailing? Soul oracles experience the Five Soul Declines, but normal cultivators also experience the Five Ordeals—heaven, earth, human, wealth, and law! Since it is impossible to avoid suffering, one should just become a soul oracle and enjoy an unlimited lifespan!”

There was no cultivator whose safety was guaranteed. Crises revolved around the life of cultivator, be it from nature or other cultivators. Suffering and death were unavoidable.

Someone had once made an estimate. Out of a thousand cultivators, at least nine hundred and ninety-nine would die on the journey to reaching Transcendent Mortal pinnacle. It was, in the truest sense, one in a thousand.

Even though the presence of the Master Teacher Pavilion had significantly reduced wars throughout the continent, there were still powers vying with one another for influence, cultivators fighting with one another for valuable artifacts, one’s cultivation going berserk… These were all ordeals that cultivators had to face, and many had died in the midst of these struggles.

“Unlimited lifespan? Are you sure that a soul oracle’s lifespan is unlimited?”

Zhang Xuan shook his head, “Even if one can avoid Senescence Decline by cultivating non-stop, are you sure that one can really stand this kind of suffering? If I’m not mistaken… your physical body has already decomposed entirely! Without a physical body to protect your soul, even though you’re still sustaining your existence, you are undergoing immense anguish every single day!

“Putting everything aside, just talking about noon every day, when yang energy in the air is the most concentrated, are you sure you can get used to that sharp piercing pain on your soul? If not for this tomb being hidden deep beneath the lake, do you think that a soul like you have been able to survive until now?”

“Y-you…”

Hearing those words, the voice was no longer able to suppress his fear. His voice quivered even more vigorously.

The other party was right.

A soul could continue on for an eternity… but a body couldn’t.

Even when hiding in the darkest corner in the world, a soul without a body would still undergo tremendous pain at noon every day, making one wish that one was dead.

In fact… the other party had thought of death innumerable times. However, as a soul, physical damage was ineffective against him as he wasn’t able to kill himself. In the end, he could only continue living on in such a wretched manner.

“So, tell me, is there a problem with this cultivation technique? Is it worth learning it?”

Hearing that the voice had lost its composure, Zhang Xuan pushed on.

“There’s indeed a problem with it, but… what kind of cultivation technique can be flawless?” The voice screamed hoarsely.

“You’re wrong! Look at this verse ‘Devoid of thoughts, guide one’s soul around the tianzhu acupoint and leave via the huishen acupoint…’. If it were to be changed to ‘Gather one’s soul, break through the huishen acupoint and escape through the tianzhu acupoint…’, what do you think would happen?” asked Zhang Xuan.

“The tianzhu acupoint possesses a yang attribute whereas the huishen acupoint possesses a yin attribute. Naturally, a soul is of yin attribute and as such, it won’t be affected by yin energy. Through this method, one can minimize the effect of Searing Yang Decline or even… completely nullify it?”

The owner of the voice was a soul oracle expert who had immersed himself in the study of souls for innumerable years. After hearing the new formula that Zhang Xuan proposed, he began muttering and all of a sudden, he froze.

The other party had only changed a few words but this had changed the essence of the technique. Through using one’s internal yang energy to nourish one’s soul, one could reduce the effects of Searing Yang Decline or even completely nullify it.

It was just altering the sequence of the two acupoints but it had further refined the Soul Guiding Formula, bringing it a significant distance closer to perfection.

“But… if you were to change it like that, there would be a high requirement on the quality of one’s zhenqi. Otherwise, given how narrow one’s huishen acupoint with, a soul wrapped with zhenqi will surely be unable to pass through…”

After a moment of contemplation, the voice eventually deduced that it was impossible.

Before drawing one’s soul out of one’s body, one had to wrap his soul with zhenqi first. If one’s zhenqi wasn’t pure enough, the impurities contained within would prevent one’s soul from passing through the huishen acupoint.

“Zhao Ya, display your zhenqi to him!”

Instead of answering him, Zhang Xuan turned around and instructed.

“Yes, teacher!” Stepping forward, Zhao Ya pointed his finger forward and a surge of zhenqi gushed out.

“This…”

Sensing the purity of the zhenqi, the voice trembled.

“Do you think it can pass through the huishen acupoint?” Zhang Xuan chuckled.

“It can… but not everyone’s zhenqi can be as pure as hers…” The voice sounded slightly low.

“That’s not a problem. Do you wish to learn it? Acknowledge me as your teacher then!”

Zhang Xuan chuckled.

“I can teach you!”