The remnants of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint's soul suddenly undulated with strange waves, gradually converging into a colossal invisible figure a thousand feet tall.
Facing this figure felt akin to facing the entire world, a terrifying sensation!
"Moo!"
The real body of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint, transformed by sound waves, locked its indifferent gaze onto Jiang Yun from afar. With a sound imbued with an ancient aura, it launched an invisible attack towards Jiang Yun.
Visibly, the space around began to crack bit by bit under the expansion of these sound waves. A wave of destruction-like impact, faster than light, surged towards Jiang Yun.
"What Yellow Springs Wrath? Hand it over!"
Facing the horrific Yellow Springs Wrath unleashed by the Yellow Springs Demon Saint, Jiang Yun merely gave a mocking smile and laughed aloud.
"What is this?"
In the next moment, the Yellow Springs Demon Saint seemed to have seen something unbelievable, staring at Jiang Yun in shock.
Behind Jiang Yun, a seemingly ordinary seven-story tower was hovering in mid-air. Though it appeared plain, it was emanating an ancient, sacred, indescribably profound aura.
"Elder Qingming, please preserve this remnant soul of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint as best you can!" Jiang Yun softly spoke, looking up at the Qingming Tower above.
"Hehe, the path of reversing life and death. I'm curious if you can succeed!"
A light chuckle was heard as Qingming's figure slowly appeared beside Jiang Yun. With a calm expression, he looked at the Yellow Springs Demon Saint and raised a finger.
As the sound waves reached Jiang Yun, a tower-shaped phantom appeared before him.
Boom!!!
Countless muffled explosions emerged in front of the Qingming Tower's phantom. The enormous figure of the Qingming Tower, like a pillar supporting the heavens, was immovable. In contrast, the massive body of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint, several hundred feet in size, started to shrink and become illusory at a visible speed.
"Can the outside world really give birth to such a terrifying existence?"
With the sound waves sweeping past, everything around turned into nothingness under the impact, a black light enveloping the surroundings.
A weak voice came from afar, atop a solitary mountain peak standing in this dark void. The Yellow Springs Demon Saint, now semi-transparent, was back on his throne, looking at Qingming with astonished eyes.
In the next moment, the Qingming Tower expanded with the wind, enveloping the Yellow Springs Demon Saint, whose eyes reflected a willingness for death.
After subduing the Yellow Springs Demon Saint, the Qingming Tower slowly shrank back into Qingming's hand. Looking at the soul light spots inside, Qingming spoke slowly.
"The Dou Qi Continent has produced many extraordinary talents. If they break through to the upper world, they could become renowned. Such a pity."
He then gestured, and a light orb flew out from the Qingming Tower, landing before Jiang Yun.
It was a ball of golden liquid, the essence blood of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint. As it appeared, Jiang Yun felt a violent throbbing of his bloodline power.
"Essence blood of a half-Emperor is truly remarkable!" Jiang Yun examined the drop of essence blood and then stored it in his ring, turning to ask Qingming.
"Elder Qingming, did the remnant soul of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint dissipate?"
"Look for yourself!" Qingming handed over the Qingming Tower instead of answering.
Jiang Yun fixed his gaze on the third level of the tower, where a drop of golden liquid floated, emitting tiny soul light spots.
This was the final trace of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint in this world!
"Yun'er, are you confident in reviving them?" Qingming asked with interest as Jiang Yun looked away.
"No!" Jiang Yun pondered briefly, then shook his head and said, "Imperial souls have immortal attributes. After their fall, they still exist in heaven and earth but are hard to find. It's said that Void Devouring Flame can bring the dead back between reality and illusion, making them living dead. I've just grasped a bit of the path of life and death. An imperial soul is an excellent experimental material!"
"The Undying Lord of the Great Thousand World is a master of the path of life and death, but even he can't fully comprehend its mysteries. It's a fortunate opportunity that you've achieved some understanding; it might provide more means in the future." Qingming nodded solemnly.
"Yes!"
Jiang Yun nodded in agreement. At this moment, in the void space, the mountain and throne began to collapse and turn into nothingness.
The two exchanged a glance. Qingming transformed back into the Qingming Tower, retreating into Jiang Yun's mind.
Jiang Yun's figure trembled slightly before his ethereal body slowly disappeared from this space. As his figure vanished, so did the space.
"It's been quite some time now!"
On the altar, Medusa and others watched Jiang Yun, who had been sitting on the stone pedestal for nearly an entire afternoon. Princess Jie was unable to help but frown slightly.
Though confident in Jiang Yun, knowing Qingming was a trump card, Medusa was still somewhat worried.
Among them, Qinglin was the most restless, unable to refrain from asking Medusa.
Medusa, hearing this, also frowned and asked Yao Ming, "Clan Leader Yao Ming, did it take this long when you entered the monument before?"
Hearing this, Yao Ming hesitated, shook his head, and was about to answer when the monument abruptly burst into a dazzling light.
To their joy, Jiang Yun's soul phantom emerged from within and swiftly flew towards his body.
At the same time, besides the finger and palm print marks, the tall monument began to reveal a mouth-shaped mark.
"It's the Yellow Springs Wrath, Young Master succeeded!" Yao Ming exclaimed with elation, restraining his urge to study the skill directly.
"Jiang Yun, are you alright?"
As Jiang Yun opened his eyes, the three women, Medusa among them, hurriedly inquired.
"I'm fine!" Jiang Yun slowly shook his head, then stood up.
He turned to Yao Ming and said, "The Yellow Springs Wrath is here, but don't force yourself to practice without a soul at the mid level of the Tian realm. Now, let's head to the Nine Nether Yellow Springs!"
Yao Ming nodded respectfully, not bringing up the essence blood of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint since it was beyond his reach.
Upon arriving at the Nine Nether Yellow Springs again, Jiang Yun looked at Medusa standing quietly beside him and said, "The power of coldness in the Nine Nether Yellow Springs is extremely potent and lethal to ordinary powerhouses."
"But the Nine-Color Heaven Swallowing Python is inherently cold, so only you can absorb the energy within without any hindrance. Once you come out, you should break through to Dou Sheng."
"This cultivation might take some time. We won't stay here long, but I'll have Yao Ming seal this place until you come out."
"And, here, take this!" Jiang Yun flicked his finger, and a jade bottle emitting a brilliant golden light appeared. The energy it exuded made everyone present gasp.
"This is...?"
Medusa trembled, raising her head to look at Jiang Yun. She already knew what it was.
"This is the essence blood of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint. Eighty percent of it is here. I've placed a heavy bet on you, so you must grow stronger; otherwise, I'll feel insecure!"
Jiang Yun smiled lightly, speaking playfully while staring at Medusa.
Medusa gave him a complicated look, biting her lip gently. A faint emotion flashed in her eyes, and she smiled under Jiang Yun's tender gaze.
Her intricate face suddenly radiated charm, her every move exuding enchantment, causing Jiang Yun to momentarily lose his focus!
With shimmering eyes, Medusa unexpectedly pressed her cool lips lightly against Jiang Yun's.
Jiang Yun was slightly taken aback but soon responded, his eyes gleaming with a smile. His arm gently wrapped around her slender, soft waist, which felt like it had no bones, subtly twisting, radiating a captivating allure.
After a long while, Medusa turned her head slightly, her soft voice whispering into Jiang Yun's ear, "I admit you won, but to make me your concubine, you'll need real skills!"
Hearing this, Jiang Yun was momentarily dazed. This proud, coquettish beauty snake had actually said such words. The next moment, the beauty in his arms shuddered, transforming into a colossal Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, whose massive tail swayed as it dived into the Nine Nether Yellow Springs, stirring up enormous waves.
"Remember, you mustn't die before I come out!"
Her gentle yet domineering voice echoed in Jiang Yun's ears, leaving a faint smile on his lips.
"Nine-colors... it's the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python!"
At this time, a shocked voice came from the side. Yao Ming was staring in amazement at the splendid giant python, his heart in turmoil.
The Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python was a mythical beast even more formidable than the primordial Sky Serpent, one that had appeared only a few times in history.
He never imagined that he would witness such a legendary beast in his lifetime.
"Yao Ming, you know Medusa's identity. You know what to do!" Jiang Yun spoke calmly to the stunned Yao Ming.
"I understand, Young Master. I will ensure the madam's safety!" Pulled back to reality by Jiang Yun's voice, Yao Ming assured with a thump on his chest.
His heart was now lively with plans. The Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, the strongest serpent magical beast currently existing on the continent—now that he was under Jiang Yun, supporting Medusa to unify the serpent magical beast tribes would be a great merit!
His eyes darted around, and Yao Ming had already made up his mind to ensure Medusa's successful retreat.
"Good!" Jiang Yun nodded in satisfaction at Yao Ming's attitude and then said, "Have you identified the traitors of Yao Xiaotian's faction? Next, it's Qinglin's turn!"
Hearing this, Yao Ming shuddered, quickly responding, "Everything's ready. Those traitors deserve to die. Helping the Young Master is their fortune!"
Watching the now-fawning Yao Ming, Jiang Yun was speechless. He turned to Qinglin, "Are you ready?"
"Everything according to Brother Jiang Yun's plan!" Qinglin smiled sweetly, obediently.
Jiang Yun and his group stayed with the Nine Serene Deep Python Tribe for another three months, ensuring Qinglin was on track before leaving.
Regretfully, they did not locate the Bodhi Ancient Tree they sought, leaving them uncertain whether it had not yet arrived in the desolate ancient domain or whether their assumption was simply incorrect.
Central Plains.
In a lush, expansive plain, a dark fissure suddenly appeared. The next moment, two figures emerged from it.
They were Jiang Yun and Little Fairy Doctor, with Zhufeng hidden in the shadows.
"So this is Central Plains?" Little Fairy Doctor curiously surveyed the surroundings, softly commenting, "The energy contained in the air here seems much richer than in the Northwest Continent."
"Central Plains surpasses the remote Northwest Continent in every aspect. The opportunities here are far more abundant, and there are more powerhouses. Let's head to the Pill Region first." Jiang Yun remarked with a gentle smile while looking around.
Little Fairy Doctor had no objections. Fortunately, Zhufeng placed them not far from the Pill Region, saving them the trouble of seeking a nearby spatial passage.
In half a day, they reached the most prosperous place on the Dou Qi Continent, the Central Plains Pill Region!
In the distance was a vast red square almost completely filled with people, making it a sea of people. The deafening noise rose into the clouds, even dissipating the clouds above.
"So this is the Pill Region?" Little Fairy Doctor couldn't help but exclaim as she observed the crowds and the numerous figures clad in alchemist robes, "So many people, so many alchemists!"
Around them were not only large crowds, but a considerable number of alchemists, a rare sight elsewhere.
The Holy Pill City, the holy land in the hearts of all alchemists!
Such was the Holy Pill City's attraction. Though many elite alchemists came from the Medicine Tribe, the Pill Region had a larger base.
"Let's go, explore well, and see if we can find suitable herbs. You also need to get your alchemist certification!" Jiang Yun chuckled, gently pulling Little Fairy Doctor's hand as they headed towards the center.
The Holy Pill City covered an enormous area, rivalling the Black-Corner Region. A Dou Zong powerhouse would need almost half a day to fly from its northern to southern edge.
By evening, Jiang Yun and Little Fairy Doctor had only traversed a limited distance. They sought an inn to stay for the night, planning to expedite their exploration the next day.
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