Soon, someone brought the black flag and Spirit Force Flower to Nan Yan. Upon seeing her Frost Origin Fruits, they said, “The consignor has a message: If you have more Frost Origin Fruits, he’ll wait for you at the Ten-Mile Pavilion outside the western city gate for two hours after the auction.”
This implied the consignor urgently needed materials for Nascent Soul formation and had his eye on Nan Yan.
“Understood,” Nan Yan replied nonchalantly. She examined the Spirit Force Flower, noting its vibrant color and excellent quality, before carefully storing it away. Then she turned to Yin Ya.
The Myriad Nuo Flag, initially too large to shrink with magic, docilely reduced to two feet long in Yin Ya’s hands. Unfolded, it revealed a faded, eerie beast face.
Yin Ya explained to Nan Yan, “Human heritage is passed through written law, while demon heritage is through bloodlines. Only royal demon clans can wield the Myriad Nuo Flag. It’s essential in demon wars. If fully restored, it can command lower-ranked demons to attack cities and even affect those of equal rank, using the wielder’s true blood.”
Nan Yan scrutinized the flag. “But aren’t demons trapped in the Sealing Array? Isn’t this useless then?”
Yin Ya retorted, “Don’t be naive. In future battles, demon cultivators weaker than us will be controlled by this flag. They might even turn against their allies mid-fight.”
Imagining the scene, Nan Yan gasped, “Didn’t the experts at Western Emperor Mountain recognize its value?”
“The flag conceals its power. Even if they did, it’s useless without royal demon blood. You could use it too,” Yin Ya said, tossing Nan Yan a jade slip. “This contains methods to refine demon blood. You can use it to control some demon treasures in the future. But remember, you’re essentially human now, with only third-generation demon blood. Use it sparingly.”
Nan Yan accepted gratefully. As they chatted, her Frost Origin Fruits came up for auction on the central stage.
Jiao Shi Ye announced, “… I’m sure you’re all familiar with this item, the main ingredient for Pills of Nascent Soul Formation. Freshly picked within a month, brimming with potency. If not for today’s esteemed guests, our establishment would have bought them outright. Don’t miss this opportunity!”
Many eyes turned to the second-floor boxes.
“Must be from that same cultivator… How many Frost Origin Fruits does she have?!”
“Perhaps she discovered a secret realm of Frost Origin Fruits?”
Amid the greedy stares, a powerful voice boomed:
“To the friend on the second floor, I’ll take all your remaining Frost Origin Fruits! We can discuss payment in spirit stones, pills, talismans, or magical tools!”
Though not hostile, the voice’s pressure made many pale.
“Likely a renowned Nascent Soul elder. Best not to provoke them,” someone whispered.
In her box, Nan Yan’s eyes flashed. “A demonic cultivator.”
“Why would a demonic cultivator need so many Nascent Soul Formation Pills?”
Nan Yan pondered, “Demonic cultivators from Sizhou were after the Frost Origin Fruits at the Sealing Array. This might be one of them.”
“Probably late Nascent Soul stage. Ignore them. Return to Red Emperor Jade Palace quickly after this,” Yin Ya advised.
Receiving no response, the demonic cultivator sent a voice transmission jade to Nan Yan’s box.
“Friend in the room, I come with sincere intentions. If you’re willing to trade Frost Origin Fruits, I’ll not only exchange treasures but also offer you an opportunity to borrow the path to Transcendent State,” an elderly voice echoed from the jade.
While the best chance to form a Nascent Soul was during the Mountain-Sea Prohibition, advancing from Nascent Soul to Transcendent State was far more challenging. Over the years, cultivators devised methods to break through, with “borrowing the path” being the quickest.
Advancing to the Transcendent State required a mental transformation and significant achievements in one’s chosen Dao, akin to great scholars establishing new schools of thought. Countless Nascent Soul cultivators had perished in the attempt. “Borrowing the path” was a shortcut: by merging one’s Nascent Soul with a fallen Transcendent State master’s soul, there was a 50% chance of entering the Transcendent State, joining the pinnacle of power in this world.
Soon, someone brought the black flag and Spirit Force Flower to Nan Yan. Upon seeing her Frost Origin Fruits, they said, “The consignor has a message: If you have more Frost Origin Fruits, he’ll wait for you at the Ten-Mile Pavilion outside the western city gate for two hours after the auction.”
This implied the consignor urgently needed materials for Nascent Soul formation and had his eye on Nan Yan.
“Understood,” Nan Yan replied nonchalantly. She examined the Spirit Force Flower, noting its vibrant color and excellent quality, before carefully storing it away. Then she turned to Yin Ya.
The Myriad Nuo Flag, initially too large to shrink with magic, docilely reduced to two feet long in Yin Ya’s hands. Unfolded, it revealed a faded, eerie beast face.
Yin Ya explained to Nan Yan, “Human heritage is passed through written law, while demon heritage is through bloodlines. Only royal demon clans can wield the Myriad Nuo Flag. It’s essential in demon wars. If fully restored, it can command lower-ranked demons to attack cities and even affect those of equal rank, using the wielder’s true blood.”
Nan Yan scrutinized the flag. “But aren’t demons trapped in the Sealing Array? Isn’t this useless then?”
Yin Ya retorted, “Don’t be naive. In future battles, demon cultivators weaker than us will be controlled by this flag. They might even turn against their allies mid-fight.”
Imagining the scene, Nan Yan gasped, “Didn’t the experts at Western Emperor Mountain recognize its value?”
“The flag conceals its power. Even if they did, it’s useless without royal demon blood. You could use it too,” Yin Ya said, tossing Nan Yan a jade slip. “This contains methods to refine demon blood. You can use it to control some demon treasures in the future. But remember, you’re essentially human now, with only third-generation demon blood. Use it sparingly.”
Nan Yan accepted gratefully. As they chatted, her Frost Origin Fruits came up for auction on the central stage.
Jiao Shi Ye announced, “… I’m sure you’re all familiar with this item, the main ingredient for Pills of Nascent Soul Formation. Freshly picked within a month, brimming with potency. If not for today’s esteemed guests, our establishment would have bought them outright. Don’t miss this opportunity!”
Many eyes turned to the second-floor boxes.
“Must be from that same cultivator… How many Frost Origin Fruits does she have?!”
“Perhaps she discovered a secret realm of Frost Origin Fruits?”
Amid the greedy stares, a powerful voice boomed:
“To the friend on the second floor, I’ll take all your remaining Frost Origin Fruits! We can discuss payment in spirit stones, pills, talismans, or magical tools!”
Though not hostile, the voice’s pressure made many pale.
“Likely a renowned Nascent Soul elder. Best not to provoke them,” someone whispered.
In her box, Nan Yan’s eyes flashed. “A demonic cultivator.”
“Why would a demonic cultivator need so many Nascent Soul Formation Pills?”
Nan Yan pondered, “Demonic cultivators from Sizhou were after the Frost Origin Fruits at the Sealing Array. This might be one of them.”
“Probably late Nascent Soul stage. Ignore them. Return to Red Emperor Jade Palace quickly after this,” Yin Ya advised.
Receiving no response, the demonic cultivator sent a voice transmission jade to Nan Yan’s box.
“Friend in the room, I come with sincere intentions. If you’re willing to trade Frost Origin Fruits, I’ll not only exchange treasures but also offer you an opportunity to borrow the path to Transcendent State,” an elderly voice echoed from the jade.
While the best chance to form a Nascent Soul was during the Mountain-Sea Prohibition, advancing from Nascent Soul to Transcendent State was far more challenging. Over the years, cultivators devised methods to break through, with “borrowing the path” being the quickest.
Advancing to the Transcendent State required a mental transformation and significant achievements in one’s chosen Dao, akin to great scholars establishing new schools of thought. Countless Nascent Soul cultivators had perished in the attempt. “Borrowing the path” was a shortcut: by merging one’s Nascent Soul with a fallen Transcendent State master’s soul, there was a 50% chance of entering the Transcendent State, joining the pinnacle of power in this world.
Yin Ya signaled Nan Yan to remain silent and said, “Legend has it that the only possible way to borrow power for divine transformation is through the Netherworld Waterfall in Zizhou. How did you demonic cultivators obtain the soul of a Transformation State master?”
A chuckle emanated from the jade talisman. “Fellow Daoist, since you possess numerous Frost Origin Fruits, you’ll likely join us Nascent Soul cultivators within sixty years. However, as your senior on the path from Nascent Soul to Transformation State, I must inform you that I’ve been stuck here for over two hundred years without a breakthrough. But now, an opportunity has arisen…”
The elder continued, “To be frank, I’m the Grand Elder of the Formless Sect in Sizhou. Our sect’s vice leader has returned from the Heavenly Evil Path, claiming that the current Chensi War presents a unique chance. He wishes to share his method of borrowing power for divine transformation with all Nascent Soul cultivators in our territory!”
At the mention of the Heavenly Evil Path’s vice leader, Nan Yan couldn’t help but think of Ji Yang, who had been out of contact. He and Mu Zhanting seemed to have reached some private agreement to collaborate on something.
Hearing the Nascent Soul demonic cultivator’s words, Nan Yan suspected a connection to Ji Yang and nodded at Yin Ya.
“The Heavenly Evil Path is the foremost demonic sect. How could they allow outsiders like us to partake?” Yin Ya questioned.
The elder, claiming to be from the Formless Sect, explained, “The opportunity lies in a mysterious ghost realm, known only to the Heavenly Evil Path’s vice leader. He wants to bring as many Nascent Soul cultivators from Sizhou as possible to gain enlightenment. My sect has dozens of Core Formation cultivators at the peak stage, urgently needing a large quantity of Nascent Soul Pills to advance. If you’re willing to offer twenty more Frost Origin Fruits, I can take you there and provide you with Formless Sect disciple identities. Even if you only gain a fraction of insight from a Transformation State remnant soul, it would greatly benefit your future cultivation.”
Nan Yan, being a cultivator herself, couldn’t help but feel tempted. The Mountain Sea Forbidden Technique was her path to the Nascent Soul realm, and this ghost realm could be her chance for divine transformation.
Next month’s meeting in Dragon Capital, although seemingly intended to address her mother’s death, might not yield significant results despite the Dragon Lord’s apparent willingness to help. However, in the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme. If she could reach the same level as her opponent, she’d at least have the confidence to confront them.
“Senior, I need to prepare for my own Nascent Soul breakthrough. I can offer at most ten Frost Origin Fruits. Any more, and my sect might question me,” Nan Yan hinted, implying the fruits belonged to her sect.
The experienced Formless Sect elder feigned hesitation. “Ten is rather few. Taking you two along would be quite risky…”
After brief consideration, Nan Yan proposed, “I have another senior disciple who hasn’t arrived yet. How about three more Frost Origin Fruits for an additional spot?”
“Agreed!” the elder promptly accepted. “I’ll send someone later with the Formless Sect tokens and details about the time and place. Don’t forget our appointment.”
As they finalized the deal, the price for the two Frost Origin Fruits outside was set. Nan Yan, now in possession of the spirit stones, immediately left the private room with Yin Ya.
At the door, Nan Yan heard numerous footsteps approaching the room they had just vacated.
“Let’s split up. I’ll find a place to change my appearance. If you leave the Vermilion Emperor’s Jade Palace, meet me outside the city in seven days.”
Nan Yan nodded and headed towards the Jade Palace, blending into the crowd. After turning two corners, she noticed someone following her—a horse-faced cultivator she recognized from her first visit to the Jade Palace, walking beside Yun Nian.
Sensing trouble as more cultivators in matching robes began to surround her, Nan Yan ducked into a nearby clothing store.
Soon after, Lei Tai rode out from the auction house on a flood dragon horse, looking displeased. The horse-faced cultivator hurried to greet him.
“Senior Brother Lei, what’s wrong?”
“That wench Night Consort said she’s accompanying the highest-bidding Nascent Soul elder today! How dare she slight me!” Lei Tai snarled. “Once I reach the Nascent Soul realm, I’ll dominate my peers! Then, even if that wench begs me, I’ll only sleep with her if I’m in the mood!”
The horse-faced cultivator quickly flattered him, “With your talent, Senior Brother Lei, you’re only suppressing your realm for the Mountain Sea Forbidden Technique. Otherwise, you’d become a Nascent Soul patriarch in no time. Since you’re in a foul mood today, why don’t we find some entertainment?”
“Oh? What kind of entertainment?”
“Remember the female Buddhist cultivator brought by the Chen Dynasty prince? Supposedly his sister. She’s alone in this fabric shop now, which happens to be palace property. We could clear out the irrelevant people and let you have a nice chat with her.”
Lei Tai, in his bad mood, frowned. “Dong Jintang, I’m not interested in just any woman. That girl has a decent figure, but her face is too chubby. How could I fancy her? Besides, Buddhist cultivators are so dull.”
The horse-faced cultivator’s eyes gleamed as he quickly fabricated a story. “Senior Brother Lei, this isn’t about personal desires. That Chen Dynasty prince humiliated us Yinzhou cultivators in the hall, mocking us for lacking a prince and claiming we were just stepping stones for him in the Mountain Sea Forbidden Technique. How can we swallow this insult?”
Hearing this, Lei Tai flew into a rage. “How dare that whelp!”
Dong Jintang continued, “The female Buddhist cultivator might not be worthy of you, Senior Brother, but you could still teach her a lesson. It would be a way to avenge our junior brother.”
“Hmph.” Lei Tai entered the fabric shop. “Go clear out everyone in this shop. I’ll let her know today that my tea isn’t so easy to drink!”
Dong Jintang was overjoyed. He quickly ordered people to clear the shop and set up a barrier to block sound and spiritual energy, surrounding the entire building. He chuckled maliciously.
“Mu, let’s see how arrogant you can be now.”
Meanwhile, Lei Tai, still fuming, took out a whip with barbs from his spatial bag. This specially crafted whip wouldn’t kill but would leave scars that wouldn’t fade for a year and a half.
He entered the shop, wielding the whip. Finding no one in the front, his anger grew as he pursued to the back courtyard. Behind a hanging silk curtain, he vaguely saw a woman searching for a back door. He lashed out, tearing through the curtain.
“Are you the one who hurt my cousin, Lei Kun?! Do you know the status of my Lei family in Yinzhou?!”
As Lei Tai raised his whip, the woman turned around. To his shock, instead of the round-faced Buddhist cultivator he expected, he saw an exceptionally beautiful woman. He froze in place.
The woman stood gracefully, like a udumbara flower under the moonlight. When she smiled, it gave the illusion of tender affection.
Lei Tai, a regular at the Vermilion Emperor’s Jade Palace, found her increasingly familiar. He exclaimed in surprise, “You…”
Standing there was, of course, Nan Yan without her mask. She sighed softly, “It’s just as you think.”
Lei Tai’s heart raced. “Could it be…”
Nan Yan: “That’s right, I had cosmetic surgery to look like Zhao Nanfang.”
Lei Tai’s heart sank back to its original place. “…”
Nan Yan continued, “Don’t you think I look very similar? Aren’t you curious about how I looked before?”
Her beauty was truly captivating and highly deceptive. Lei Tai nodded in a daze.
Nan Yan took out a jade talisman from her spatial bag and began speaking rapidly, “Please look, this is me when I was young. I weighed over a hundred jin, and when I smiled, my eyes disappeared. My brother always said I was unbearably ugly.”
Lei Tai’s mind was in chaos, genuinely curious about how this beauty could have been so ugly. Before he knew it, Nan Yan had pressed the jade talisman to his forehead.
Suddenly, his consciousness was overwhelmed by a spell from the talisman, and he collapsed unconscious.
Nan Yan looked at the fallen Lei Tai, breathing a sigh of relief. She put her mask back on, picked up his whip, and tucked it into her bag. Then, with a solemn and saintly expression, she proclaimed:
“Worldly appearances and sounds are but fog in people’s hearts. The Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is your true final destination.”