Volume Two: The Map of the Nine Provinces Appears, Entering the Spirit Ruins Chapter 85: Traveling Together

Returning to his residence, Chen Yu pondered through the night.

Since he had chosen to pursue the path to immortality, he could not afford to be perfunctory. He needed to attain his utmost in every realm, becoming stronger so that his opportunity to ascend would be greater.

Since the elder who transmitted the teachings had mentioned that the cultivation of the Primordial Sutra in the One Origin Realm was not inferior to the Supreme Clear Spirit Sutra, the foundational scripture of the Spirit Ruins Sect, it was now his best option. Even if the Primordial Sutra remained incomplete, Chen Yu was confident that with his own understanding, he could fully grasp its essence.

Furthermore, he was not in a hurry to breakthrough yet. He still needed to walk further on the path of the Nine Breaths of the Dantian.

Through the night, he carefully organized in his mind all he had gained from the Hall of Techniques, gaining a clearer understanding of the road to cultivation.

The way was arduous and long, yet with steadfast progression and perseverance, the future held promise.

Chen Yu also resolved that aside from daily comprehension of the One Origin Realm, he could cultivate some techniques to further enhance his strength.

He once again reviewed the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Methods, and with careful selection, chose the Mountain-Shaking and Earth-Quaking Technique, which possessed the power to tremble mountains and move earth, not to be underestimated.

He studied it diligently, and insights surged within. After a few days, he had already achieved a small mastery of the Mountain-Shaking and Earth-Quaking Technique.

As he delved deeper into the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Methods, he found them increasingly extraordinary. He advanced gradually, using the technique as a foundation to build his own great path. Though it appeared simple, the key lay in personal comprehension.

That is to say, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Methods could be either simple or complex.

Of course, this was merely Chen Yu’s own impression; whether it was accurate, no one could truly tell him.

In the midst of cultivation, Chen Yu opened his eyes and exhaled long and slow, saying, “It seems that merely relying on the Nine-Breath Qi Ingestion Technique to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and condense the power of the Nine Breaths in the Dantian is still too difficult. It appears I must indeed rely on strong external assistance.”

As he was thinking this, Xue Ren and his two companions arrived.

“Brother Chen…” The three called out from afar, their faces alight with joy.

“Greetings, fellow disciples. Has the sect issued a notice?” Chen Yu saw them and immediately understood the situation.

“Yes, indeed,” Zheng Geng replied. “The matter in the Forest of Forgetfulness was indeed orchestrated by someone behind the scenes.”

“Oh…” Chen Yu raised his brows. “Do you know what happened?”

“It was cultivators from the Ghostly Nether Sect who opened an ancient tomb deep within the Forest of Forgetfulness, seeking the opportunities inside. The aura that escaped from the tomb disturbed the minds of the beasts, causing them to become frenzied in their terror and attack the disciples in the forest.”

“Do you know what kind of tomb it is?” Chen Yu grew interested. “What does the sect intend?”

Xue Ren shook his head. “The specifics of the tomb are still unclear. However, the sect has stated that both inner and outer disciples may go to investigate.”

“What kind of sect is the Ghostly Nether Sect?” Chen Yu asked.

Zheng Huai answered lightly, “It’s merely a minor sect. Their members are only at the One Origin Realm, nothing comparable to our Spirit Ruins.”

“Yes! If even the Ghostly Nether Sect could open this tomb, the danger must have its limits. So we want to go see for ourselves. What do you think, Brother Chen?” Zheng Geng asked expectantly.

Chen Yu pondered for a moment. Though the information was scant, he sensed something was wrong—though he could not say exactly what.

“All right, since you wish to go, I shall accompany you,” Chen Yu replied.

The three were delighted. “In that case, let’s prepare and set out later today.”

“Yes, we must hurry—many fellow disciples have already gone ahead,” Xue Ren said, a hint of urgency in his voice.

Half an hour later, the four departed from the Spirit Ruins as planned.

Since they were entering the Forest of Forgetfulness, and the beasts there had become extremely violent, they proceeded with utmost caution.

Aside from Chen Yu, who had mastered the Nine Breaths of the Dantian, Xue Ren and the others had only reached the Seven Breaths, their strength somewhat lacking.

Not long after entering the forest, the four were attacked by a bull demon.

Xue Ren and his companions immediately grew tense, drawing their swords.

“This bull demon possesses only the power of Six Breaths in the Dantian. Would you like to practice your skills?” Chen Yu remained calm, asking placidly.

“Yes…” Zheng Geng and the others were delighted, understanding that Chen Yu meant to support them.

“I’ll go…” Zheng Huai was the first to strike, wielding the Fiery Sword Technique, sparks dancing along the blade.

Moo… The bull demon roared in anger, emitting a low, furious bellow as it charged at Zheng Huai.

Zheng Huai’s brow furrowed—the cry unsettled him, leaving him agitated and disrupting his sword technique.

In just one exchange, Zheng Huai was forced onto the defensive.

Zheng Geng and Xue Ren, puzzled and dissatisfied, muttered, “What’s he doing? Is this the time to play around? Even a Six-Breath bull demon shouldn’t be taken so lightly.”

“It’s not Zheng Huai’s fault,” Chen Yu remarked in surprise. “The bull demon’s cry disturbed his mind, causing him to falter.”

“Ah… Could it be this bull demon knows how to attack the soul?” Zheng Geng and the others exclaimed in shock.

“That’s unlikely.” In truth, Chen Yu did not fully understand, but he knew how to respond. They called out to Zheng Huai, “Brother Zheng, seal your hearing—do not listen to the bull demon’s bellow.”

“I know, you talk too much.” Suddenly, Zheng Huai shouted irritably at Chen Yu.

“This…” Xue Ren and Zheng Geng knew Zheng Huai well—under normal circumstances, he would never behave this way.

“Brother Chen, my younger brother…” Zheng Geng hurried to explain, fearing Chen Yu might take offense.

But Chen Yu smiled, showing no sign of blame. “No harm done—it seems he was affected by the bull demon.”

“But that’s strange—normally, this kind of bull demon shouldn’t possess such power,” Xue Ren said in confusion.

“Yes, I’ve encountered such bull demons before, none with this ability,” Zheng Geng agreed.

“Oh… If that’s the case, then this matter is not simple,” Chen Yu raised his brows, realizing the crucial point.

Xue Ren and Zheng Geng also caught on, asking, “Brother, do you mean it’s because of the ancient tomb?”

Chen Yu nodded. “Perhaps. But since we haven’t seen the tomb yet, it’s hard to be certain. In any case, we must be wary of more than just the beasts on this journey.”

Looking at Zheng Huai, Xue Ren understood, saying, “Brother, you mean we cultivators might also be affected.”

Chen Yu did not make a definitive statement, leaving the two even more puzzled.

At this moment, the agitated Zheng Huai, having followed Chen Yu’s advice, gradually calmed himself. After a hundred exchanges, he struck down the bull demon with his sword.

Feeling apologetic, Zheng Huai turned to Chen Yu, “Brother, just now I…”

Chen Yu smiled, showing no sign of reproach, and simply told Zheng Huai to rest for a while.