Chapter Sixty-Two – Red Emperor’s Expedition Plan

“As expected of a Buddhist cultivator, her determination surpasses ordinary people.”

“She’s a bit fierce, chasing him down like that. But the Imperial Son of Chen State probably hasn’t used his full strength yet.”

“I heard these two came together. Are they siblings?”

“Who cares? It’s satisfying to watch! Exhilarating!”

Nan Yan’s attacks were relentless. She chased Mu Zhanting around the arena, beating him until his poetic inspiration ran dry, before finally pushing him off the stage with a palm strike.

The Nascent Soul stage cultivator overseeing the martial competition found this scene rather unsightly. He coughed lightly and said, “In this old one’s opinion, it’s getting late, and the winners have been decided. We might as well end here. Since this nun has won, let her take three drops of the thousand-year spirit beast essence. Everyone else, please return to the main hall for the banquet.”

Mo Xingzhen had been watching from below for a long time. With each of Nan Yan’s moves, his eyes grew more puzzled. Her style resembled techniques from the Choushan Buddhist Sea, but his extensive knowledge told him that Core Formation cultivators from Choushan wouldn’t possess such fierce killing intent.

Could it be that the Choushan Buddhist Sea had developed new methods in their Buddhist lineage?

Mo Xingzhen made mental notes of the details in Nan Yan’s techniques, planning to consult his master later. Then, unable to resist stirring things up, he said, “Elder Li, I’m afraid no Confucian cultivator would dare to challenge Fellow Daoist Mu in the literary competition now. As for the martial competition, Young Master Yun defeated Fellow Daoist Zhengyuan, then Fellow Daoist Mu defeated Young Master Yun. Now that Fellow Daoist Zhengyuan has beaten Fellow Daoist Mu, if we don’t allow her to join in comprehending the Crimson Emperor’s Campaign Scroll, this competition might be seen as unfair.”

This competition was originally set up for Yun Nian. Although the circumstances of his loss to Mu Zhanting were both laughable and lamentable, a loss was still a loss. The only way to save some face was to include Nan Yan, who had defeated Yun Nian’s conqueror, among the chosen few.

Most Confucian cultivators present had suffered at Mu Zhanting’s hands. Seeing Nan Yan thrash him thoroughly, their opinion of her improved greatly. “What is Elder Li worried about? That precious scroll is just sitting there anyway. One more person won’t hurt. Besides, is the Crimson Emperor’s legacy technique so easy to comprehend? These two are from other states. With the Imperial Consort guiding Young Master Yun through its mysteries, how could he not surpass them?”

Most cultivators invited to the Millennium Celebration knew the inside story. The Crimson Emperor’s Campaign Scroll had been in the palace for hundreds of years. The so-called legacy technique was just a legend; even those in the Crimson Emperor’s Jade Palace had never been able to decipher it. Their main purpose in coming here was to network among the prestigious clans.

The Nascent Soul cultivator hesitated, “Let this old one consult the Imperial Consort about this matter.”

He closed his eyes, seemingly sending a message. After about ten breaths, he opened his eyes, flew onto the arena, and announced, “Today’s competition has concluded. Imperial Son Yun, Imperial Son Mu, and Fellow Daoist Zhengyuan, tomorrow the palace will arrange for you three to enter the secret hall to comprehend the Crimson Emperor’s Campaign Scroll.”

…

The Imperial Consort still didn’t appear at the evening banquet. Fortunately, Mo Xingzhen was adept at managing such occasions. The guests alternated between discussing profound mysteries and debating current affairs until midnight, when they finally departed, satisfied.

After handing over a slightly tipsy Mu Zhanting to the cultivators from Dragon Capital who had accompanied them, Nan Yan returned to her assigned palace chamber. However, she found someone standing at her door.

In the dead of night, Nan Yan felt a chill as she encountered someone at her doorstep. Keeping a ten-foot distance, she said firmly, “The night grows late. Shouldn’t Daoist Mo be resting?”

Inwardly, Nan Yan felt uneasy. She initially thought Mo Xingzheng had discovered her true identity and was considering when to flee. However, Mo Xingzheng continued:

“Though men and women should keep their distance, I’ll be direct. Will Sister Zhenyuan participate in the Mountain and Sea Forbidden Decision four years from now?”

The Mountain and Sea Forbidden Decision, like most secret realms, was only accessible to Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, it uniquely offered the greatest opportunity for Core Formation in the world.

Each State had only five slots, and qualified Foundation Establishment cultivators fought fiercely for them.

Nan Yan, currently unconcerned with Core Formation, focused on resolving her mother’s affairs. She replied, “This humble nun hasn’t thought that far ahead.”

Mo Xingzheng said, “That’s good. I’ve noticed you and Daoist Mu are close. If such an opportunity for Core Formation arose, he would likely secure a slot for you.”

Sensing an underlying message, Nan Yan urged, “Please speak plainly, Daoist Mo.”

Mo Xingzheng smiled. “While it might not matter for smaller States, the four main States—Zi, Yin, Chen, and Si—are the cultivation world’s core, housing 80% of all cultivators. As the prince of Chen State, Daoist Mu has always been viewed warily by the clans due to his background. To appease the Xiang clan, the Dragon Lord will undoubtedly allocate all of Daoist Mu’s Mountain and Sea Forbidden Decision slots to these clans. Therefore, you won’t be able to join Chen State’s group.”

Considering this non-urgent, Nan Yan calmly replied, “This humble nun wouldn’t be so inconsiderate as to burden my brother for Core Formation. If the opportunity arises, I’ll take it; if not, I’ll let it go.”

“You seem quite detached, Sister,” Mo Xingzheng remarked. “I’ve experienced the Mountain and Sea Forbidden Decision with my senior brother. From the Nine Tribulation Sea to the Ten Karma Mountain, only a handful of the prodigies who entered survived. Besides me, only Song Zhu from Wei State dares to participate a second time.”

Nan Yan was shocked. She’d only heard of the Mountain and Sea Forbidden Decision but never realized its dangers. Worried about Mu Zhanting venturing into such peril, she frowned deeply.

Noticing her expression, Mo Xingzheng added, “Of course, I’m just saying. Historically, there have been instances where everyone emerged safely. However, while Chen State’s elite prodigies may enter with Brother Mu, they might not remain loyal. If you’re concerned for your brother, perhaps you should try to secure a slot yourself to support him in the secret realm.”

Suspecting an ulterior motive, Nan Yan asked, “Are you inviting me to join your group, Daoist?”

Mo Xingzheng shook his head. “Competition within the Dao Sheng Tian Sect is equally fierce, and our slots are already decided. I suggest you compete for a slot in the Mao State. If you agree to ally with Zi State in the Mountain and Sea Forbidden Decision, using your Buddhist methods to help us through the Ghost Gate in the Nine Tribulation Sea, I’ll gift you a seventh-grade Nascent Soul opportunity.”

This highlighted the Mountain and Sea Forbidden Decision’s value. Nascent Souls were graded from one to nine, with vast differences between grades. In the outside world, even with the best elixirs, one could only achieve a third-grade Nascent Soul at most.

However, the secret realm’s special energy allowed cultivators to form at least a fourth-grade Nascent Soul just by meditating and absorbing enough energy.

A seventh-grade Nascent Soul meant Nan Yan could fight seven opponents of her level without disadvantage—an irresistible prospect for any cultivator.

Nan Yan replied, “I’ll remember your words, Daoist. Currently, I have other matters to attend to, but if fate allows me to enter, I’ll honor this agreement.”

Not expecting to convince the stubborn Buddhist cultivator in one attempt, Mo Xingzheng decided to end the conversation. “The place I mentioned requires a great sacrifice for non-Buddhist cultivators to pass through. Please consider my offer… Oh, one more thing.”

Before leaving, Mo Xingzheng produced a palm-sized pill furnace with swirling blue flames inside. He opened the lid, and a translucent pill flew out. Offering it to Nan Yan, he said, “As a seventh-grade alchemist, I originally intended this half-baked immortality pill as a gift for the Imperial Consort, but she was too busy to receive visitors. Sister, you’re in your prime and haven’t taken this before, so please accept it.”

“This… Thank you, Daoist Mo,” Nan Yan accepted the pill, inhaling its unique fragrance reminiscent of spring’s rejuvenation. She asked, “Half-baked immortality pill? Is there a story behind that name?”

“It doesn’t grant immortality, just prevents aging for a century. Hence, ‘half-baked,'” Mo Xingzheng grinned. ” I noticed you earlier because you’re the only female cultivator in the Red Emperor’s Jade Palace who hasn’t taken an age-fixing pill. Since I’m asking for your help, consider this a welcome gift.”

“Thank you.”

“I have other matters to attend to. Farewell.”

Back in her room, Nan Yan carefully considered the situation. She sensed that the aftermath of the Dragon Capital gathering wasn’t over, and she needed to plan her next move. Achieving Core Formation would provide an extra layer of safety.

The next morning, Nan Yan was invited by the Red Emperor’s Jade Palace staff to contemplate the legendary Red Emperor’s Campaign Painting in the secret hall.

Upon arrival, she saw Mu Zhanting at the entrance, arm around Yun Nian’s neck, animatedly discussing something. Yun Nian, eyes glazed over in despair, straightened up and shot Nan Yan a pleading look when he noticed her approach.

“Friend Zhenyuan…” Nan Yan prepared and pulled out a thick anthology of ancient and modern poetry from her spatial pouch. “Brother, do you see this poetry collection?”

Mu Zhanting replied, “I see it.”

Nan Yan tossed the book aside and said, “I won’t let you see it even if I throw it away.”

Mu Zhanting was speechless.

After some bickering at the entrance, the doors of the secret hall slowly opened, revealing a deep passageway flanked by strange beasts carved on bluestone slabs.

The trio fell silent and followed their guide. They discovered they were entering an underground palace, walking for a full quarter-hour before reaching a great hall.

“The Red Emperor’s Campaign Painting spans a hundred zhang and covers these four walls,” the guide explained. “However, I must warn you three: like the Four Fiends statues at the palace entrance, prolonged viewing of this painting can harm your spiritual consciousness. Please proceed with caution.” With that, the guide left.

“Shall we contemplate separately then?”

Yun Nian nodded and walked towards a spot he seemed to have already chosen, sitting cross-legged before a depiction of the Red Emperor striking down Taotie.

“Every section showing the Red Emperor in action could potentially reveal a lost technique,” Mu Zhanting observed.

“Is that so? Then I’ll find one that looks powerful.”

Fearless, Mu Zhanting scanned the room before choosing a scene where the Red Emperor conjured a fire realm to burn down a demon city.

Among the three, Nan Yan was the most unhurried. She began from the scroll’s beginning, realizing the entire painting told a story.

It started with the Red Emperor alone, crossing the sea from the mortal State on a leaf boat. He encountered a tenth-rank Night Crying Serpent at sea. Still weaker than his later self, he battled the serpent for ten days and nights. Though he slew it, he was left adrift, washing ashore in the demon realm.

A veiled demoness rescued him on the beach, nursing him back to health before disappearing without a word.

The Red Emperor ventured deep into the demon realm, searching for the demoness who saved him. He experienced a strange encounter, obtaining a treasure that allowed him to disguise himself as a demon cultivator. He lived among the demons for a hundred years, finally reaching the Nascent Soul realm.

One day, his friend Sui Han Zi from the mortal realm sent a message. Demons were ravaging the mortal cultivation world, slaughtering ten cities, including the Red Emperor’s former sect. Unable to tolerate this, Sui Han Zi proposed gathering the world’s strongest cultivators to invade the demon realm and secure its abundant spiritual energy for human cultivation.

Upon receiving this news, the Red Emperor agreed but was consumed by hatred. He single-handedly attacked the demon capital, descending like a god of fury. He destroyed the demon palace and beheaded the Demon Emperor, turning the capital into a sea of blood in one night.

Sui Han Zi arrived with the Five Venerable Ones of that era, rescuing the Red Emperor whose spiritual energy was depleted. Together, they annihilated all remaining demon Nascent Soul cultivators and above.

The remaining demons offered their princess as a peace offering, begging to preserve their bloodline.

At this point, Nan Yan’s spiritual consciousness was under immense pressure. Her eyes were bloodshot, forcing her to meditate for half an hour before continuing.

When she resumed, she saw the Red Emperor dragging the offered demon princess. Nan Yan carefully examined the princess’s face, then looked back at the veiled demoness who had saved the Red Emperor. Her heart sank as she realized the tragic twist.

The final scene, like the one Nan Yan had seen on the Demon Sealing Array’s mural, showed the Red Emperor ascending the throne with his demon empress. Yet, it wasn’t hard to imagine the empress’s later depression and demise.

The torment between love and national hatred was heart-wrenching to consider.

Feeling melancholic, Nan Yan sat cross-legged, staring at the most gut-wrenching scene of the Red Emperor chaining the demon empress. Unknowingly, a strange fluctuation emanated from her body.

The chains in the painting seemed to be gradually fading.

Confused, Nan Yan focused intently. Suddenly, her spiritual consciousness was jolted by ancient, weathered characters appearing:

“I once created a secret technique for Danying called the Shared Fate Lock, intending to return her life. This technique was completed the day before Danying’s soul perished. The Shared Fate Lock can be forcibly applied to the weak. For one’s beloved, one can use one’s life to block a fatal calamity. The longer it’s used, the stronger it becomes. If future generations chance upon this, use it with caution.”

Nan Yan’s mind reeled as the technique carved itself into her spiritual consciousness like an axe. She didn’t know how long it took before she regained her senses.

… What kind of technique is this?!