Chapter 001: The Golden Cloud Lock City, Boiling the Sea and Burning the Sky
Two factions stood opposed, one representing the Nine Great Heavenly Gates, and the other representing the Southern Wilderness Demon Sect. Cui Can stood at the center, suddenly letting out a long howl, akin to a dragon's roar, reverberating through the heavens.
Song Jianmei's expression suddenly changed, and with a flip of his jade-like palm, he struck the ground. With a loud bang, a burst of pale golden light rapidly exploded, and Song Jianmei lightly floated away, landing safely several dozen meters away.
Cui Canxia suddenly understood something, and her face turned pale.
In those years, Song Jianmei was known as the most beautiful woman in the realm of immortality, possessing extraordinary talent and strength that could undoubtedly rank her among the top ten of the younger generation in the righteous path, with numerous followers. She and Cui Can, representing the righteous and the demonic respectively, were originally at odds with each other. However, upon meeting Cui Can, she immediately cast aside the conflict between good and evil, shedding her sharp and fierce demeanor, and obediently followed Cui Can, listening to him and being docile. This unexpected change astonished many young talents who had pursued Song Jianmei for years.
Ninety years later, Cui Can presided over the Southern Wilderness, where the drought demon burned countless righteous cultivators to death. The Nine Great Heavenly Gates launched four campaigns against the Southern Wilderness, all of which ended in failure before Cui Can, resulting in the deaths of seven elders from the Nine Great Heavenly Gates. Even Lin Juefeng, the headmaster of Jiuyishan, one of the Nine Great Heavenly Gates, had one of his eyes burned blind by him
Who is this person, possessing such extraordinary strength
Cui Can had long seen through the true nature of these individuals. With a cold snort, he waved his sleeve and said proudly: "Come on, if you want my secret treasure trove, if you want my Wild Cloud City, come and take it by your own abilities"
With this divine talisman of destiny, it took only twenty years for Cui Can to gain fame in the Southern Wilderness. After another ninety years, Cui Can rose like the sun at dawn, radiating an unstoppable brilliance.
However, what is even more shocking are the four large characters on this heavy jade tablet: Eternal Suppression of the Southern Wilderness
Cui Can paid no attention to the petty individuals who had gained favor, but merely cast his gaze over the people behind them. These individuals were not unfamiliar to Cui Can; they were indeed the leaders of the major sects in the Southern Wilderness. In the past, these people had gone to great lengths to win his favor, yet now they all stood behind Gui Liming.
The ancient city is seamlessly integrated, yet outside the city stands an extraordinary object. A towering white jade stele, reaching a height of three zhang and remarkably heavy, is made from the most precious celestial jade in the cultivation world, known as "Jade Essence Spirit." Typically, even a piece the size of a pigeon egg would provoke countless sect leaders to personally compete for it. What kind of frenzied actions would ensue if such a large piece were to be seen by others
On the back of the jade tablet, densely packed with numerous small characters, the lines are arranged one after another. The first few are: Blood Jade Dynasty, Desolate Tomb Aristocracy, Nine Night Sect, Demon Phoenix Sword Sect, Luo Evil Path ... ...
Gui Li's intentions were exposed by him, and he immediately became furious and shouted: "Enough with the nonsense. Today, I, Gui, lead the comrades from the Southern Wilderness. I ask you to step down, hand over the secret treasure vault, and withdraw from Huangyun City. If you comply, all will be well; if you refuse... then I will have no choice but to take action. Hmph, to teach the Southern Wilderness Emperor a lesson is a rare honor, one that comes once in three lifetimes!"
At the moment the five chains were unlocked, dozens of formidable auras suddenly surged in from the outside, without any reaction time for the books or her.
This battle lasted for seven days, causing the heavens and the earth to change color, the yin and yang to be inverted, and the five elements to be reversed. The thousands of peaks in Ghost Revenge Mountain, where Wild Cloud City is located, were erased from existence, leaving behind a sinkhole with a diameter of several dozen miles, as if struck by a meteor from the sky. The entire Southern Wilderness trembled six times, leading mortals to believe an earthquake had occurred, resulting in panic and chaos
Cui Can's lips curled into a cold smile: "If I had not guarded the Southern Wilderness for ninety years, how many of you would still be standing here? I fear you would all have been captured by the Nine Great Heavenly Gates and sent to the Ruoluy Prison by now"
These precious treasures are indeed astonishing, but upon closer inspection, one can discover that this grand first-grade talisman is actually revolving around a certain object. Moreover, judging by their demeanor, they maintain a certain distance from that object in a posture of submission, not daring to overstep their bounds in the slightest.
Cui Can hated her for betraying him, and struck without warning. However, Song Jianmei was indeed one of the top ten figures of the younger generation back in the day. Having been by Cui Can's side for these years, her cultivation had deepened significantly, and she managed to calmly resolve Cui Can's lethal move.
With just a single sentence, these leaders felt ashamed, as over seventy percent of them lowered their heads, unable to meet Cui Can's gaze. However, the matter at hand was already set in motion and could not be retracted; these leaders would not change their minds simply because of Cui Can's words
Cui Can laughed heartily towards the sky: "Inquire? Before my drought demon's blood burns out, why did you not dare to come? I once passed through your Valley of Demon Flames, and you retreated three thousand miles. At that time, why did you not dare to seek my guidance?"
The legend of "Drought Demon Blood Fire" refers to a seal that was once placed on the forehead of the ancient first evil demon, Drought Demon. After enduring thousands of years, it has consumed all of the Drought Demon's essence and blood. Once unleashed, it possesses the power to boil the seas and scorch the heavens
Scenes of glorious pasts flashed before Cui Can's eyes, stirring deep emotions within him. The drought demon, Bloodburn, was incredibly powerful. Even now, Cui Can could only unleash sixty percent of Bloodburn's might. He had a vague feeling that within the remaining forty percent of its power lay a tremendous secret. If he could unravel it, he would truly be able to reach the pinnacle, and who in the world could stand against him
The continuous rain has been falling for several days. The Southern Wilderness is currently in its rainy season, and every year at this time, the entire region is shrouded in a bleak and sorrowful cloud, with no sunlight for half a month. However, beneath this gloomy sky, amidst the towering mountains, there is a place bathed in golden light
Cui Can was filled with uncontrollable rage; throughout his life, the greatest hatred he harbored was for the betrayal of those around him. Although he held disdain for Gui Li Ming and the various factions of Nan Huang who opposed him, it was Song Jianmei who truly incited his anger
... ...
Regardless of what Cui Can instructed, Song Jianmei would carry it out without hesitation. However, today, after Cui Can called out, there was no response for a long time.
Cui Can never expected that the first person to betray him would be his most trusted lover! It was Song Jianmei who unlocked the Wuyun Lock; otherwise, even if these people could enter, they would have to pay a tremendous price. Whether it was Lin Juefeng or Gui Liming, at least half of the people they brought would have to die tragically.
Gui Liming and Lin Juefeng were severely injured, and the "Secret Treasure Vault" where the Emperor had collected treasures throughout his life was reduced to ashes in a violent explosion, leaving Gui Liming and Lin Juefeng with nothing.
Five enormous iron chains, as thick as ancient towers, descend from the clouds, resembling a heavenly ladder. Each segment of the chain is inscribed with a peculiar rune using Daoist mystical techniques, which seems to operate autonomously on the chains, radiating light and exhibiting extraordinary vitality
Cui Can himself, even to deter the Nine Great Heavenly Gates, had to avoid causing trouble for the Song Jianmei clan, and took the risk alone, leaving the Southern Wilderness to slay an elder of the Luofu Mountain who had oppressed the Song clan.
The six types of first-grade talismans each emitted a breathtaking aura, soaring into the sky, resonating with the five golden clouds. The flow of energy was interconnected; with just a slight movement, it could cause the heavens and earth to change color and the winds and clouds to shift.
In the darkness, a hand reached out, gently caressing the central purple jade talisman. After a long while, a sigh was heard: "Alas... the Blood Burning Drought Demon, the most fearsome talisman in the world, is indeed the pinnacle among all fated talismans in the realm of cultivation. You have accompanied me, Cui Can, for one hundred and eighty years, fighting in battles across the south and north. Without you, I would not have attained my current status. Success and failure are both tied to you, yet how could you..."
Song Jianmei looked at him with a somewhat vacant expression, yet his voice was devoid of emotion: "I have been undercover beside you for over a hundred years, just for this moment. Killing you is to eliminate the threat to the righteous path"
Undercover?" Cui Can sneered coldly. He had never been wary of Song Jianmei. Song Jianmei had countless opportunities to kill him, yet it was only now that he chose to act. To put it bluntly, it was simply because his drought demon blood had already perished, and everyone had concluded that he was destined to fall into ruin
Song Jianmei glanced at him, her eyes filled with a hint of disdain, and said lightly: "If even I can withstand your lethal move, what future do you have? Surrender the treasure of the secret realm, and stop this futile struggle like a cornered beast"
These are the most powerful sects in the Southern Wilderness. Further down, there are some smaller sects with slightly weaker strength. The entire back of the jade tablet is inscribed with the names of hundreds of sects, almost encompassing all the cultivation sects in the Southern Wilderness. Could it be that the master of this ancient city is so powerful that he has been unanimously elected as the Lord of the Southern Wilderness by all the sects?
Cui Can sneered: "The second person of the Southern Wilderness, Gui Li, you finally dare to appear before me"
The owner of that hand slowly emerged from the darkness, with flowing black hair, a pale complexion, and a tall, slender figure. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he wore a black robe adorned with brilliant gold trim. The entire person exuded an aura of sinister charm, possessing a confidence that seemed to encompass the entire world.
The "Drought Demon Blood Burning" divine talisman quietly lay in the palm, and a trace of pain flickered in the eyes of the Southern Wilderness Emperor, Cui Can
Over the past one hundred and eighty years, many women have admired Cui Can, but to this day, the only one who can still be by Cui Can's side is Song Jianmei. The reason is simple: Song Jianmei is well-behaved
Mount Luofu is one of the illustrious Nine Heavenly Gates, and that battle was the most brutal one since Cui Can's debut.
However, before he could fully unleash the power of the Blood Burning of the Drought Demon, this symbol of the world's deadliest curse unexpectedly...! ... Alas! He sighed softly, stroking the dim and lifeless Blood Burning of the Drought Demon, and gently called out, "Sword Brows."
These five stone-carved wild elephants stand like five towering peaks, not appearing diminutive when compared to the surrounding mountains. The stone carvings are exceptionally lifelike, having endured countless storms and erosions, their surfaces now mottled. However, each one bears an ancient rune, shimmering with a faint yet enduring golden light, firmly imprinted on the forehead of each wild elephant. The five chains are directly connected to this rune. The stone carvings are exceptionally lifelike, having endured countless storms and erosions, their surfaces now mottled. However, each one bears an ancient rune, shimmering with a faint yet enduring golden light, firmly imprinted on the forehead of each wild elephant. The five chains are directly connected to this rune
With a clear and resonant laugh, a rainbow bridge of seven colors descended into the city. The bridge was adorned with various gemstones and pearls, exuding extraordinary luxury. An old man with a single eye descended slowly from the rainbow bridge, followed by hundreds of righteous cultivators.
The "Drought Demon Blood Burn" is among the most valuable in the "World's Number One" series of Destiny Divine Talismans, ranking high in combat power.
Years ago, Lin Juefeng personally led his troops into the Southern Wilderness, achieving victory wherever he went. However, after encountering Cui Can, he suffered a great defeat and was also injured by Cui Can. The drought demon's fire poison that burned out his eye harmed his primordial spirit, which is why this eye has yet to regain its sight.
If a powerful practitioner from the realm of cultivation were to arrive here, they would surely be able to discern at a glance that these five wild elephants are not mere stone carvings, but rather ancient divine beasts that have been sealed in this place by someone using supreme magical power
As the continuous fine rain encounters this golden light, it immediately transforms into the purest essence of water, which is absorbed into the golden light, nourishing the formation.
At an altitude of three thousand zhang atop the mountain peak, five enormous golden auspicious clouds are prominently floating, each cloud larger than a mountain peak
Gui Li became the new Lord of the Southern Wilderness, but this battle left him with hidden injuries that lingered for decades without recovery. He was unable to suppress the entire Southern Wilderness, rendering his title as Lord of the Southern Wilderness a mere facade, while the once peaceful realm of the demonic path descended into chaos.
It is just that for some reason, this spiritual talisman is dim and lacks luster, making it appear inconspicuous compared to the six first-grade spiritual talismans surrounding it
The radiance emanates from six peculiar talismans floating in the center of the stone hall. Each talisman possesses nine faces, with both the talisman head and tail displaying extraordinary characteristics. On the nine faces of the talismans, intricate runes are inscribed with supreme spiritual power, each shimmering brilliantly and moving as if alive. Should an outsider witness this, they would surely be astonished: the nine-faced talisman is the highest grade and immensely powerful first-grade talisman in the realm of cultivation! Even the top nine celestial gates of the cultivation world, upon acquiring a first-grade talisman, would regard it as a treasure of their sect. In this dim stone hall, there are actually six of them!
The Six Paths One Grade Spirit Talisman slowly rose from within, an endless momentum surging like a mighty river flowing ceaselessly. Lin Juefeng and Gui Li's expressions changed simultaneously, and the two of them instinctively waved their hands, directing the people behind them: "Kill"
Lin Juefeng, enduring his injuries, hastily retreated to Jiuyi Mountain. It is said that upon reaching the mountain gate, he could no longer suppress his condition and spat out three sheng of blood, suffering a significant loss of vitality. In a hurry, he announced to the world that Song Jianmei had made great contributions in the battle against the Demon Lord Cui Can, declaring her a heroine of the righteous path. After the Song clan received the protection of Jiuyi Mountain, they immediately entered seclusion to recuperate
In those years, when Song Jianmei followed him, she undoubtedly endured immense pressure. Yet, conversely, how could Cui Can be any different? As a figure of the demonic path, he was in love with a celestial maiden of the righteous path. When they first came together, Cui Can had not yet reached the height of surpassing the Southern Wilderness. More than seventy percent of those who came to hunt him down did so out of concern that Song Jianmei might reveal the secrets of the demonic path. Cui Can himself could not recall how many times he fought and how many injuries he sustained for the sake of Song Jianmei.
Cui Can ascended to prominence through this divine decree, enduring ninety years of conquest, and ultimately stabilizing the Southern Wilderness. Ninety years ago, all the cultivation sects in the Southern Wilderness jointly presented the jade tablet inscribed with "Eternal Suppression of the Southern Wilderness," formally acknowledging Cui Can's status as the Emperor of the Southern Wilderness.
Beneath the chains, they are fastened to the enormous stone skull of the five-headed mammoth. The mammoth is a legendary ancient divine beast, possessing six tusks and two wings on its back, endowed with supreme power capable of lifting mountains
Come, the Emperor of the Southern Wilderness is here. If you seek my life and desire the treasures of the secret realm, let us see if you possess the capability to do so
On the seventh day after this battle, precisely on July 14, late at night, the Ghost Revenge Mountain was shrouded in dark clouds, with rolling thunder. It is unknown how long this had been brewing, when suddenly a bolt of lightning struck down, shattering the peak of a mountain, causing rocks to tumble. In the flash of that lightning, one could see at the bottom of the massive pit created by the battle, the soil slowly turning over, as a purple jade talisman began to grow vigorously, drawing in strands of essence blood from the surrounding soil. Moments later, it soared into the sky and vanished into the night.
Two hundred years ago, Cui Can was merely a disciple of an obscure minor sect, and in the realm of cultivation, he was originally someone who was bullied due to his status. However, he inadvertently obtained the world's most fearsome talisman, the Blood Burning of the Drought Demon. A cultivator can only cultivate one fated divine talisman throughout their life, thus the power of the fated divine talisman directly relates to the cultivator's future achievements
The purpose of sealing these five wild elephants is quite evident; they are steadily carrying an ancient city on their backs. This ancient city is constructed from black rocks, yet it appears as a unified whole. The city walls are marked with intersecting massive axe and sword scars, emanating a sense of tragic ferocity, as if this ancient city has burst forth from the battlefield of ancient deities
Cui Canmin keenly sensed that something seemed amiss. At that moment, the entire ancient city suddenly trembled, followed by five loud thunderclaps. Cui Can's expression changed, and he floated out. Indeed, on five golden auspicious clouds, the five chains had already been released
The Southern Wilderness Emperor, Cui Can, has fallen, and the world's foremost ominous talisman is buried alongside the Emperor. However, what astonished both the righteous and the evil factions the most was that a Southern Wilderness Emperor who had lost the divine talisman of destiny actually slaughtered thirteen powerful beings, accounting for half of the participating powerhouses in this battle; among them were six from the demonic path and seven from the righteous path
Jin Yun, the ancient city, the wild elephant, and the jade tablet stand solitary among the great mountains, seemingly devoid of life. However, upon delving deeper, one can observe within the center of the ancient city formation a magnificent stone hall, where several strands of peculiar light stand out remarkably amidst the vast golden radiance
Among the various sects of the Southern Wilderness, someone recognized him and exclaimed in a low voice: "Lin Juefeng, the Master of Jiuyishan!"
As the Emperor of the Southern Wilderness, Cui Can naturally anticipated that at such a moment, Lin Juefeng would undoubtedly come to take advantage of the situation, so his appearance was not surprising. However, when Cui Can saw the elegant girl accompanying Lin Juefeng, the muscles on his face involuntarily twitched: "Song Jianmei, it is indeed you!"
Cui Can seemed to have anticipated this, and with a calm expression said: "I knew you wouldn't miss this spectacle. Since you are here, come in. You have gone to great lengths to break through the Five Cloud Lock of my Wild Cloud City. Even if I do not welcome you, do you still intend to stay outside?"
In the center of the Six Paths One Grade Talisman, there was originally a spiritual talisman. However, this spiritual talisman is different from the six paths and nine faces outside. It is as thick as a palm, three fingers wide, and two inches long, resembling a piece of purple jade. The material is mysterious, and the body of the talisman is inscribed with an enigmatic spiritual script, faintly revealing a hint of blood color
However, those six spiritual talismans still surrounded this spell like loyal and devoted subjects
Even after he became the Emperor of the Southern Wilderness, he was not at peace. The rebellion in the Southern Wilderness was undoubtedly due to the discontent with the woman by the Emperor's side, who surprisingly came from a righteous background
Gui Li let out a sinister laugh, and a demonic flame surged behind him to a height of three hundred zhang. Just as he was about to pounce, a cold voice suddenly echoed: "Emperor Cui, do you not welcome an old friend who has come to visit?"
Wuyun Feng Town, Mangxiang Tuo City
The characters are as red as blood, the strokes flow like dragons and snakes, exuding an air of dominance over the world
The shadowy figure of the demon sneered, saying: "Hmph, Cui Can, I have never accepted your identity as the Emperor of the Southern Wilderness. Today, I have come specifically to seek your guidance"
The auspicious clouds resemble an old turtle, a python, a fierce tiger, a qilin, and a giant roc, each with a fierce gaze, guarding their respective domains. The golden light filling the sky is emanating from these five auspicious beast clouds.
Hahaha! A wild laugh echoed, and a shadow of a demon seemed almost illusory as it floated to the entrance of the ancient city, standing against the wind. It cast a disdainful glance at the jade tablet inscribed with "Eternal Suppression of the Southern Wilderness": "Eternal Suppression of the Southern Wilderness? Eternal Suppression of the Southern Wilderness? A joke!" With a flick of its sleeve, a bolt of black lightning shattered the jade tablet into pieces.
Accompanying the shadow of the demon were twenty to thirty individuals, who immediately followed suit as the shadow soared into the air, all rushing into the city together