Translator: CinderTL
"The Abyssal Abyss Cave? What is that place?" Song Wen asked.
Daoist Zi Yun replied, "A dark, airless cave deep beneath the waters of Two Extremes Island, devoid of Spiritual Qi."
"What conflict could have arisen between Master Ling and Fellow Daoist Xuan Chengzi that would warrant such a harsh imprisonment?" Song Wen pressed.
Daoist Zi Yun said, "This is an internal matter of the Liangyi Sect, and I am not at liberty to discuss it."
Since the matter didn't concern him, Song Wen dropped his inquiries and instead pinned his hopes of finding the Frost Ice Nails on Zi Yun. After all, Zi Yun was Lan Yin's direct disciple and might have heard of the treasure from her.
"Fellow Daoist Zi Yun, have you ever heard of a set of treasures called the Frost Ice Nails?"
Daoist Zi Yun replied, "I've never heard of them."
Song Wen felt a twinge of disappointment and continued his transmission.
"Fellow Daoist Zi Yun, let's talk about why Master Ling is imprisoned. What happened?"
Daoist Zi Yun said, "The circumstances are not glorious, and I am truly unable to share the details."
Song Wen countered, "Fellow Daoist Zi Yun, Master Ling is confined in a deep-sea cave devoid of Spiritual Qi, like a Mortal imprisoned in a cell without food or water. Over time, his cultivation will inevitably decline. Once he falls below the Nascent Soul realm, given his current lifespan, his life will be in danger. As Master Ling's direct disciple, don't you want to help him escape?"
A hint of excitement mixed with doubt colored Zi Yun's tone.
"Ji Yin, are you willing to help me rescue Master?"
Song Wen replied, "We have known each other for many years and have faced adversity together. Master Ling, Daoist Lan Yin, once showed me great kindness. How could I stand idly by while she suffers?"
Zi Yun remained silent for a moment before responding.
"In that case, I will tell you. However, Fellow Daoist, please keep this confidential."
"The reason for the conflict between my master and Ancestor Xuan Chengzi is this: Ancestor Xuan Chengzi's lifespan is nearing its end, and unwilling to perish, he seeks to defy the heavens and alter his fate. He obtained a secret longevity technique from an unknown source. This technique is incredibly cruel, requiring millions of young, healthy Mortals as sacrifices."
Song Wen read this message with a profound sense of emotion.
Xuan Chengzi had always struck him as an otherworldly figure, with the demeanor of an immortal.
Yet, even such a transcendent being, far removed from the mundane world, could not overcome the fear of death.
Indeed, when faced with mortality, no matter how great one's power or authority, fear would inevitably take hold.
Zi Yun's message continued.
"My master's remaining lifespan is not much longer than Ancestor Xuan Chengzi's. Therefore, Ancestor Xuan Chengzi sought to involve Master in his scheme. However, Master resolutely refused, condemning Ancestor Xuan Chengzi's fear of death as a stain on the Liangyi Sect's thousand-year reputation. Enraged, Ancestor Xuan Chengzi imprisoned Master in the Abyssal Abyss Cave."
"Master Ling's noble character and integrity are truly admirable," Song Wen said casually, then asked, "Do you know of any way to rescue him?"
Daoist Zi Yun replied, "The Abyssal Abyss Cave is where the sect imprisons its most serious offenders. It's heavily guarded with Restrictions, making it impossible for outsiders to enter. The only way to save my master is to persuade Ancestor Xuan Chengzi to release him. However, Uncle-Master Yun Xu and I have pleaded with Ancestor Xuan Chengzi countless times, but he refuses to budge."
Song Wen said, "Very well, I understand. I will do my best to persuade Fellow Daoist Xuan Chengzi."
"Thank you, Ji Yin," Zi Yun said, her voice filled with joy. Then she added, "Ancestor Xuan Chengzi isn't currently at the sect. To facilitate his capture of Mortals, he has established the Longevity Site on Xingling Island."
Xingling Island is the largest island in the Central Region, home to tens of billions of Mortals. Many disciples of the Liangyi Sect hail from this island.
In some remote areas of the island, the Spiritual Qi is still relatively abundant.
Consequently, Xingling Island also attracts rogue cultivators and small sects.
Xingling Island is not far from Two Extremes Island, only a few hundred thousand miles away.
Two hours later, following the address provided by Zi Yun, Song Wen arrived above a city on Xingling Island.
Though called a city, it lacked city walls or a garrison.
This place resembled a market for cultivators. Countless cultivators came and went, trading various treasures. The most frequent transaction, however, was—humans.
Many cultivators traveled by boat, their vessels laden with Mortals. These Mortals, male and female, were all healthy young adults.
At the southern end of the city, countless wooden huts, or rather wooden cages, had been erected. Each cage was incredibly small, barely two square meters in area.
The cages were too numerous to count, arranged in neat rows that stretched as far as the eye could see, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Countless Mortals were imprisoned within these wooden cages, huddled together like piglets awaiting slaughter.
At the center of the cage area stood a black palace. In front of the palace lay a plaza.
Eighty-one black stone pillars stood in the plaza, each intricately carved with profound rune patterns. Wisps of sinister, evil energy emanated from the runes, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Song Wen descended from the sky above the plaza and called out in a loud voice, "Fellow Daoist Xuan Chengzi, an old friend has come to visit. Why not show yourself?"
Xuan Chengzi emerged from the palace, his expression cold and unwelcoming. It was clear he was not pleased by Song Wen's arrival.
"Ji Yin, what brings you here?"
Song Wen watched Xuan Chengzi not far away, a smile playing on his lips.
The Xuan Chengzi before him bore none of his usual immortal demeanor. Instead, he exuded a sinister aura, almost indistinguishable from a demonic cultivator.
"I heard Fellow Daoist is here seeking longevity, and my curiosity piqued, so I came to take a look."
Xuan Chengzi's expression darkened.
"You, the Demon Lord, the greatest fiend in the world, dare you come here to condemn me for using mortal lives to extend my own?"
Song Wen shook his head, a slight smile on his face.
"I have no ties to these mortals. Their lives and deaths are of no concern to me. I came here for two reasons: to visit an old acquaintance and to plead for Daoist Lan Yin's release."
At Song Wen's first words, Xuan Chengzi's expression softened slightly. But at the mention of Lan Yin, his face clouded with suspicion.
"Plead for Lan Yin's release?"
Song Wen nodded. "Daoist Lan Yin once showed me kindness. I can't bear to see her suffering in the Abyssal Abyss Cave. I've come to ask Fellow Daoist to show her mercy."
Xuan Chengzi replied, "Lan Yin is ungrateful. Not only did she reject my goodwill, but she also tried to obstruct my longevity ritual. If I release her now, she'll undoubtedly cause more trouble. I'm afraid I can't grant your request, Fellow Daoist."
Song Wen said, "Fellow Daoist and Daoist Lan Yin are fellow disciples. Why must it come to this?"
With that, Song Wen flipped his hand and produced a jade slip, tossing it toward Xuan Chengzi.
"Please, Fellow Daoist, examine this jade slip. It contains another longevity method, one that doesn't require the slaughter of countless mortals. Perhaps it can resolve the misunderstanding between you and Daoist Lan Yin."
The jade slip contained the formation method for the Devouring Soul Array. Song Wen had obtained it years ago after killing Su Qian, the Ancestor of the Su Clan on Clear Peace Mountain. It could extend one's lifespan by sixty years.
(End of the Chapter)
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