The Chapter Ultimate Cloud Technique, Cloud Heaven Dao, was activated, layered with the second-stage Major Heat Seasonal Qi Command Domain.
Wuyuan was quickly at a disadvantage, unable to escape.
When Zhao Xing first comprehended the Rule Domain and combined it with the ultimate technique Cloud Heaven Dao, he was already capable of overwhelming Chu Qianqiu with ease.
Now, with the Seasonal Qi Command Domain advanced to the second stage, the power of the ultimate technique had further increased, reaching the level of Ultimate Second Transformation. Each transformation of an ultimate technique increased its power tenfold.
At this moment, Zhao Xing trapped Wuyuan in the Layered Cloud Realm. No matter how hard Wuyuan struggled, he couldn't break free.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The dark radiance surged like a flood, focusing all its force in one place. However, as the black aura clashed with the layered cloud space, the radiance was first evaporated by half under the ten blazing suns in the sky. When the remaining force struck the cloud layer, the energy rippled outward, dissipating across the boundless Layered Cloud Realm.
After hundreds of attempts, not only was Wuyuan unable to escape, but his entire body was left trembling from the shockwaves. His gaze shot toward the sky, filled with disbelief.
"My domain is at the third stage, and his is only at the second. How am I being completely suppressed?"
"Impossible! My Absolute Dark God Domain is derived from three Lesser Yin Origins. These three laws are all second-tier laws!"
"To derive the Absolute Dark God Domain from three Lesser Yin Origins makes it a high-level Rule Domain."
"Could his domain be formed from a top-tier law? And his technique—could it be an Ultimate Technique?"
Realizing the implications, Wuyuan's heart sank.
From the earlier attacks, he could sense that the ten blazing suns above embodied a First-Tier Sun Law. Although it was a single law, it was unquestionably top-tier!
"A domain born from a top-tier law, and he also wields an Ultimate Technique."
"How can someone this strong still take calculated steps to lure me in?"
The connection between a Rule Domain and an Ultimate Technique wasn't absolute. Wuyuan had comprehended his Rule Domain through unique methods, but he didn't possess the skill to perform an Ultimate Technique. Even so, Wuyuan was undeniably a powerhouse among first-rank experts, and one of the elite on the Western Extreme Continent.
Yet here was an opponent who was both a peerless genius in Dao and Technique. Moreover, Zhao Xing's cautious and calculated tactics—despite his evident strength—seemed maddeningly deliberate.
Hisssss—
Raindrops corroded Wuyuan's body, weakening the black radiance around him. His screams pierced the air. "Aaaagh!"
Outmatched in domain and technique, Wuyuan fell into despair.
High above, Zhao Xing frowned as he watched Wuyuan struggle.
"What's going on? Could it be that Wuyuan doesn't know an Ultimate Technique?"
"His understanding of the Dao is impressive—he's derived a high-level Rule Domain from three laws, all sourced from the Lesser Yin Origin. This is already remarkable among first-rank experts. But his technique only reaches the level of a top-tier fifth transformation?"
It was puzzling—like a martial artist with centuries of inner strength but only the skills of a novice.
"The disparity between his Dao and Technique is enormous."
"With his domain at the third stage, his technique should at least be at the ninth transformation. But at only the fifth, he's barely achieved mastery over top-tier techniques, far from perfection."
Of course, Wuyuan's powerful Rule Domain meant that even his casual attacks were devastating. Yet Zhao Xing, with his discerning eye, could see that most of this power came from the domain itself.
"The connection between a Rule Domain and an Ultimate Technique isn't guaranteed, but there's usually a strong correlation between one's Dao and their Technique."
"This kind of mismatch is rare. Is he faking it, or does he genuinely lack the skill?"
Zhao Xing glanced beyond the clouds.
Envoy Zhang Ning, Mi Fu, and Chen Shijie all held the upper hand in their respective battles.
This was largely due to the expansive range of Zhao Xing's Cloud Techniques. Even though Mi Fu and Chen Shijie were only third rank, their techniques, amplified by Zhao Xing's Ultimate Cloud Technique, had become exceptionally potent.
As for Zhang Ning, who had recently entered the early stages of Heavenly Fortune, his courage and valor shone. With Mi Fu and Chen Shijie's support, his performance was equally remarkable. The trio faced seven Sith fighters, eliminating two Soul Realm Perfected enemies within moments.
"Imperial Extreme Dragon Fist!"
Zhang Ning unleashed a secret technique from the Imperial Martial Canon, a powerful martial art granted special permission by Emperor Jing during his diplomatic mission. Boom! Boom!
The ferocious punches struck like a dragon emerging from the abyss, instantly crushing two third-rank Sith fighters. Their armor dented under the impact, and their flesh turned to pulp, leaving only two escaping Soul Forms trailing blood mist.
"Dragon Flame!"
Zhang Ning's abdomen contracted while his chest expanded as he took a deep breath. He exhaled a scorching fire stream.
"This is Yangming Prime Fire refined from the kidney's essence?"
The fiery stream obliterated the two fleeing Soul Forms, reducing them to nothing but embers.
"If Zhang Ning had refined Yangming Sovereign Fire instead of Prime Fire, the full potential of the Dragon Flame could have burned those soul forms down to the Void stage. But with his current level, this is still an impressive display," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
Both Zhang Ning and Wuyuan wielded high-level laws—commonly referred to as second-tier laws.
Top-tier laws, like Sunfire, Taiyin True Water, or Southern Bright Flame, were what allowed cultivation to reach the pinnacle of the first rank. Zhang Ning, having entered the Dao with a second-tier law, couldn't cultivate stronger flames like Yangming Sovereign Fire, settling instead for Yangming Prime Fire.
Even so, Zhang Ning's achievements were commendable. Over ninety percent of practitioners only grasped mid or low-tier laws, limiting them to the third rank for life. At best, they could barely condense martial or dao bodies.
Zhao Xing recalled his own experience under the Myriad Dao Tree, where he chose a law among its leaves. He remembered encountering three martial artists, including Yang Long, during his comprehension.
At the time, Zhao Xing quickly grasped the Dust Water Law, the lowest tier available. While it was invaluable to Yang Long and his companions, Zhao Xing himself had dismissed it as inadequate.
"Judging by his technique, Zhang Ning hasn't refined fire essence from his heart yet, so he's relying on the weaker kidney flame—Yangming Prime Fire."
"Even so, wielding Dragon Flame, a top-tier technique, to incinerate the souls of his enemies is no small feat."
"Neither the Northern Tu King nor the Sith Kingdom has a 'Heaven Soul Residence Temple' law. Without it, they can't replace a shattered Soul Body with an Yin Spirit."
"Now that we've shed blood, it's clear the Northern Tu King won't intervene. He wants to see how this plays out."
Zhao Xing made his decision.
"If the Northern Tu King wants a show, I'll give him one worth watching!"
"Pure Essence Projection!"
With this declaration, a hazy golden bamboo shadow manifested within the royal city—a projection of the Dragon Spirit Bamboo!
Having mastered the Divine Soldier Art at its first stage, Zhao Xing could now command ninth-rank entities. Combined with his self-contained domain, he could project a portion of their power. The Dragon Spirit Bamboo, a constant presence within the Rule Domain, represented transcendent first-rank combat power.
Even as a mere projection, its might was overwhelming.
Buzz—
The Dragon Spirit Bamboo appeared for only a fleeting moment before Zhao Xing withdrew it.
But in that instant, a burst of Geng Metal Rule radiated from one of the bamboo nodes.
The flash of Geng Metal Radiance was akin to a sharp blade, effortlessly piercing through Wuyuan's Absolute Dark God Domain.
Bang!
Wuyuan's armor shattered, his body bursting apart.
Bang!
Wuyuan's body exploded, leaving nothing but a scattered mist of blood. Yet his Life Soul persisted, struggling amidst the chaotic remnants.
"Calming Wind Technique!"
Zhao Xing executed a top-tier wind technique, binding Wuyuan's Life Soul with the Nether Yin Wind. The dark, ghostly wind wrapped tightly around the fragmented soul, preventing it from dissipating.
"Compress!"
With a commanding gesture, Zhao Xing rapidly condensed the clouds and wind around Wuyuan's soul. Layers of dark wind encased his Life Soul, and the contracting clouds formed a tight, impenetrable sphere.
Finally, the compressed formation settled into the palm of Zhao Xing's hand, transforming into a small, dense Nether Wind Orb. Within its translucent core, Wuyuan's faint silhouette could be seen struggling desperately.
"Kill!"
Zhao Xing moved without hesitation, turning his attention to the remaining Sith envoys. With precise, devastating strikes, he eliminated them all in moments.
For the stragglers, there was no chance of escape—his attacks left no trace of their existence, reducing them to pure nothingness.
Whoosh!
With the battlefield cleared, the air fell silent. All that remained were Zhao Xing's companions, standing victorious amidst the wreckage. Just as they began to regroup, a squad of Northern Tu soldiers rushed onto the scene.
Leading them was the crown prince of the Northern Tu Kingdom, Yi.
"Lord Zhao!" Yi's expression twisted as he surveyed the aftermath. His eyes locked onto Zhao Xing with a mixture of shock and apprehension.
Yi had intended to feign ignorance, to ask what had transpired here and probe Zhao Xing's strength subtly. However, witnessing the utter annihilation of the Sith envoys left him momentarily speechless.
Wuyuan's power was roughly equal to Yi's own—perhaps even slightly superior. Yet Zhao Xing had dispatched him effortlessly.
This revelation struck fear into Yi's heart.
If Zhao Xing could so easily defeat Wuyuan, what chance did Yi stand against him?
"Crown Prince." Zhao Xing's tone was calm but carried an unmistakable authority. Holding the Nether Wind Orb containing Wuyuan's struggling soul, he said, "This official discovered Sith spies infiltrating the kingdom. They sought to sow chaos and subvert your royal city. I merely aided the Northern Tu King by eliminating the threat."
Yi finally collected himself, forcing a smile as he bowed deeply. "Lord Zhao, your swift action is most commendable. On behalf of the Northern Tu Kingdom, I offer my gratitude."
Despite his outward composure, Yi's thoughts raced. He had underestimated Zhao Xing, misjudging him as a mere envoy with limited power. Now, seeing the evidence of Zhao Xing's might, Yi realized his position had grown precarious.
Zhao Xing's next words broke through his inner turmoil. "Crown Prince, if the Sith Kingdom has already extended its influence here, it is only a matter of time before their ambitions bring war to your borders. It is in the Northern Tu Kingdom's best interest to ally firmly with the Great Zhou."
Yi hesitated, trying to gauge Zhao Xing's intent. Zhao Xing, however, gave him no time to formulate a response.
"What? There's something like this?!"
"The Sith Kingdom is truly detestable!"
Mi Fu shot an annoyed glance at the crown prince, Yi. "Jinggong, just look at this man—he's so damn hypocritical."
After finishing their fight, they emerged to find the royal city in such chaos. As the crown prince, how could he be completely unaware of what was happening?
Chen Shijie transmitted his voice, "Yuan Zhang, don't make your disdain so obvious. All three of your heads and six eyes are glaring at the crown prince. That's way too impolite."
Hearing this, Mi Fu immediately retracted two of his heads and snorted.
After the crown prince finished his act, Zhang Ning stepped forward.
"Crown Prince, the Sith Kingdom dares to engage in such subversive activities. This could be part of a larger scheme. I implore you to report this matter to the Northern Tu King and collaborate with Lord Zhao to plan a joint military operation."
The crown prince, Yi, solemnly replied, "Indeed, it should be so. Lord Zhao, please proceed."
Within the royal palace, the Northern Tu King withdrew his gaze and took a deep breath.
He had observed the entire battle just now.
While Mi Fu, Chen Shijie, and Zhang Ning's performances were noteworthy, it was Zhao Xing's display that had truly exceeded his expectations.
"To comprehend two top-tier domains at the Heavenly Luck stage and to master ultimate laws, integrating Dao and technique seamlessly..."
The Northern Tu King reflected on the earlier battle.
Especially when Zhao Xing unleashed the shadow of the Dragon Spirit Bamboo in his final attack against Wuyuan. Though it had appeared for only an instant, the Northern Tu King could still feel the shiver it sent down his spine.
"Even I felt threatened by it. This Lord Zhao from the Great Zhou is indeed a figure worthy of camaraderie with the new emperor..."
In his heart, the Northern Tu King marveled silently.
Such a genius was beyond anything the Northern Tu King had ever encountered or even heard of before.
This realization made it clear that Zhao Xing's reputation was not unwarranted.
The Northern Tu King also understood that the Great Zhou's military campaign in the Western Pole Continent this time was not mere posturing or empty talk.
It was a genuine commitment!
"The Celestial Envoy, Lord Zhao, has arrived!"
The guard's voice echoed from the palace gates.
The Northern Tu King immediately straightened his attire and strode forward with large steps to greet him.
"Celestial Envoy! This humble king failed to manage his domain properly, allowing Sith Kingdom infiltrators to sneak in and even offend the envoy. I request your judgment!"
The Northern Tu King placed a hand on his chest and slightly bowed.
This time, he adopted a very humble demeanor.
Zhao Xing looked at the bowing Northern Tu King with a calm expression.
Beside him, Zhang Ning felt an immense sense of satisfaction. He now regarded Zhao Xing with even greater admiration.
According to the intelligence reports, the Northern Tu King was a First-Rank Perfection expert with a sixth-tier high-level domain. In the Western Pole Continent, he was one of the top-ranked powerhouses.
As the stationed envoy of the Great Zhou, Zhang Ning had never seen the Northern Tu King behave so respectfully.
Yet now, this proud and powerful figure lowered his head in deference.
While part of this could be attributed to the immense strength of the Great Zhou, the primary reason lay in Zhao Xing's extraordinary power and courage.
"Your Majesty, please rise," Zhao Xing said with a polite smile, gesturing for the Northern Tu King to stand. "This was all due to the cunning of the Sith Kingdom."
"Thank you for your understanding, Celestial Envoy." The Northern Tu King sighed in relief.
"The Sith Kingdom's audacity to disregard the Great Zhou's authority and infringe upon our vassal states is a heinous crime!" Zhao Xing declared. "Your Majesty, I have been sent here by His Majesty the Emperor to ensure justice is served and to eradicate the Sith Kingdom."
"Please, give your commands, Celestial Envoy! The Northern Tu Kingdom will follow your orders to the death!"
After securing the Northern Tu King's cooperation, preparations for a four-nation joint military campaign began in earnest.
Zhao Xing's true body, however, returned to the Divine Perch Warship to examine Wuyuan's Life Soul further.
"This Wuyuan indeed harbors something unusual," Zhao Xing muttered.
In his palm, Wuyuan's Life Soul glimmered faintly, containing a tiny black rhomboid substance. This material expanded and contracted in rhythm with Wuyuan's soul core, its essence flowing within.
After days of careful observation, Zhao Xing's pupils narrowed. "An artificially crafted primordial soul crystal?"
"As expected, this is something beyond this realm. It must be an extraterrestrial relic!"
"This primordial soul crystal… what exactly is its origin?" Zhao Xing's thoughts deepened as he scrutinized the black rhomboid object within Wuyuan's Life Soul.
Soul crystals were known as a common material for soul artifacts, capable of being embedded directly into the Life Soul. However, a primordial soul crystal was something vastly different. It involved extracting fragments of world-rule origins and fusing them into a soul crystal, granting the wielder the power of a rule domain.
"This fragment specifically aligns with a 'dark-type rule origin,'" Zhao Xing concluded, watching the small shard pulse with an ominous black glow. "Even a tiny piece allows one to wield a third-tier dark rule domain directly. No wonder Wuyuan, with his mediocre techniques, could unleash such power—it wasn't his own."
Zhao Xing's expression turned solemn. "If Wuyuan had possessed this soul crystal long enough, he might have eventually comprehended a rule domain of his own. But something of this caliber… there's no way it was crafted in the Xuanyang World."
The very existence of such an artifact confirmed one thing—this wasn't just a random occurrence. The Sith Kingdom had undeniably gained access to a trove of extraterrestrial treasures.
"That explains how the Sith Kingdom's ruler, Deus, could produce multiple elite operatives. He must possess a considerable stock of these items. It's even possible he himself has achieved a permanent rule domain through their use," Zhao Xing mused. "He may very well have reached the Consistent Rule Stage."
Zhao Xing's fingers traced the patterns etched into the crystal's surface. Upon closer inspection, his sharp eyes picked up an unfamiliar sigil embedded within the latticework of microscopic inscriptions.
"This insignia… I don't recognize it," Zhao Xing muttered, his mind rifling through memories of various forces and organizations from his previous life. "It doesn't match any known symbols. That's not surprising, considering how vast the universe is. A small world like Xuanyang can't possibly hold all its secrets."
His thoughts wandered momentarily to his encounter with the Mo Yun Vine Seed, another extraterrestrial anomaly. The arrival of cosmic relics in Xuanyang wasn't entirely unprecedented, though they were exceedingly rare in this era of spiritual desolation.
"Even so," Zhao Xing murmured, "this soul crystal is a relic of unparalleled value. In the hands of a true expert, it could pave the way to a stage far beyond the Dao Establishment Realm. Unfortunately, in a world like this, no one would be able to cultivate its full potential."
Returning his attention to the matter at hand, Zhao Xing knew he needed solid evidence to convince Emperor Xu to launch a full-scale invasion of the Sith Kingdom. The mere presence of this artifact wasn't enough.
"I'll need more than this fragment to justify mobilizing the Great Zhou's forces," Zhao Xing decided. "Step one: isolate this soul crystal fragment. Artifacts of this caliber are typically protected by unique seals. If I don't handle it carefully, it could shatter under the Xuanyang World's natural laws."
He glanced at Wuyuan's Life Soul, which pulsed faintly with resistance whenever he attempted to extract the crystal. The soul itself seemed on the verge of collapse.
"And I'll need Wuyuan's memories," Zhao Xing continued. "There's no better source for uncovering the Sith Kingdom's hidden dealings."
Summoning his Soul-Devouring Dharma Body, Zhao Xing prepared to siphon Wuyuan's recent memories. A cold vortex appeared above Wuyuan's head, pulling faint strands of his soul upwards.
"Shhhrrr…"
The process was far from smooth. A barrier of light flared within Wuyuan's soul, fiercely resisting the extraction.
"No good. If I push harder, his Life Soul will self-destruct entirely," Zhao Xing muttered in frustration. He withdrew the Soul-Devouring Dharma Body and frowned.
"Extracting secrets from a core artifact is never easy. It's no surprise—anything tied to a major power's secrets is heavily safeguarded. It's the reason sects and empires don't crumble from a single prisoner," Zhao Xing thought. Then, his eyes lit up with inspiration.
"Of course! The Heavenly Soul Fruit!"
Zhao Xing quickly formulated a plan. "If I feed Wuyuan the Heavenly Soul Fruit, his Life Soul won't fully disintegrate upon collapse. With such a rare treasure, even when his soul shatters down to the 'Hope' state, it will automatically begin reassembling itself."
Zhao Xing's mind raced as he envisioned the steps. "Once it's restructured, I can use the Great Zhou's Fate Officer to condense his soul into a shadow form. All the restrictions—soul oaths, seals, and tamper-proof techniques—would vanish. Any lingering memories will be accessible."
"Swearing a soul oath? Forbidden spells? Forgetfulness techniques? None of them will matter once he's reduced to the 'Hope' state. It's a clean slate."
The so-called "when one dies, their Dao dissipates" applies here. Whether it's life soul oaths, silencing techniques, or Forgetting Woes Spells, these restrictions might still bind an individual if they turn into a yin soul. However, if struck to the "Crown" state, most of these restrictive buffs would vanish.
If someone ascends to the "Hope" state, almost all limitations cease to exist.
As for the "Void" state, there's nothing to discuss. It's complete nothingness and utterly unusable.
"I have ten Heavenly Soul Fruits stored in my Pure Essence Space. In Xiji Prefecture, we can also request True Lord Siming to conduct Yin God transformation and facilitate alternative resurrection. However, Wuyuan isn't part of the Qi Luck Dynasty system of Great Zhou. Using divine artifacts to resurrect him will still require an application."
Zhao Xing closed his eyes, and his incarnation in Tianyong Prefecture immediately rushed toward the royal palace. "Elder Brother, why are you in such a hurry?"
Ji Che, who had been reading the Book of Destiny, paused as he saw Zhao Xing approach.
"I may have uncovered the secret of the Sith tribe!" Zhao Xing announced. "The Sith nation's Grand Respected One, Deus, might be a Rule Realm powerhouse. He has managed to cultivate numerous Destiny Palace practitioners who can command Rule Domains in a very short period."
"Hmm?" Ji Che was momentarily stunned. "A Rule Realm master… who can produce dozens of experts commanding domains? Rule Realm practitioners are extraordinarily rare!"
Even in Great Zhou, only the emperor maintained a consistent Rule Realm state. The rest could only be described as possessing "Rule Realm combat power" rather than truly reaching that stage.
The Rule Realm transcends the scope of destiny magic; it exists outside the rules. Unlike the Heavenly Fortune Golden Rankings, one cannot simply gaze at them to locate where a Fortune Realm practitioner has emerged. But the Xiji Prefecture is a barren land with a sparse population. How could such immense Qi Luck produce a Rule Realm practitioner?
Still, since this information came from Zhao Xing, its credibility was significantly high.
"I've captured an important subordinate of his," Zhao Xing continued, "and from his life soul, I've discovered a peculiar item."
"However, I'll need to utilize the True Lord Siming and the divine artifact Heavenly Heart Hall, along with the Yin God Rebirth Pool, to secure these secrets." Ji Che immediately responded, "I'll issue an order for the True Lord Siming's true body to head to Xiji Prefecture, accompanied by the divine artifact Heavenly Heart Hall!"
Ji Che understood that there wouldn't be enough justification to launch an expedition against the Xiji Prefecture without solid evidence.
If it could be proven that the Sith tribe held a peculiar item capable of assisting others in mastering Rule Domains, things would progress much more smoothly. Watching Zhao Xing hurriedly "log off" and leave, Ji Che couldn't help but smile.
Originally, Ji Che had regarded the Sith tribe as a mere target to establish dominance. Yet, Zhao Xing's expedition revealed such critical secrets. "The late emperor was truly right—Elder Brother is indeed a man of fortune!"
The Four Nations Alliance quickly assembled, advancing toward the Western Extreme Glacier.
On the eastern front, Venerable Ulric immediately mobilized his forces to defend the glacier. Upon learning that his younger brother had perished in Beitu Country, Ulric was filled with rage.
However, with the four nations united as one, he could no longer oppose them alone.
Forced to retreat repeatedly, he relied on the natural barrier of the Western Extreme Glacier to establish a defensive line while promptly reporting to Deus. "Master, I have failed you." Ulric trembled as he prostrated himself before a foreign god statue glowing red.
"I have not only lost vast territories, but Wuyuan also fell in battle. This was my misjudgment. Wuyuan might even have leaked critical secrets. I await your punishment, Master."
"Ulric, this is not your fault," a voice echoed from within the statue. "Wuyuan won't leak secrets. In this world, no one besides us understands the methods of the divine."
"However, you have drawn Great Zhou's attention. If you cannot hold the Western Extreme Glacier, abandon it. The Xiji Prefecture is a barren land. As long as we don't advance further east, Great Zhou will not invade us. Remain vigilant and wait until Great Zhou's envoys leave before taking any action."
"Yes." Ulric nodded respectfully.
Xiji Prefecture, Xichang City.
Zhao Xing's original body had already returned to Xichang aboard a warship.
The city's Prefectural Governor, Ji Xuanqing, had been waiting in the city for some time. "Nephew Xuanqing greets Uncle."
"…Hmm?"
Zhao Xing, who had intended to simply notify him and leave, was momentarily stopped by the peculiar salutation. "What did you just call me?"
"Uncle," Ji Xuanqing replied earnestly.
"What kind of connection are you drawing here?" Zhao Xing asked, clearly baffled. He wasn't accustomed to such unexpected familiarity.
"Uncle, you might not know, but I am the sixth-generation descendant of Wu King Ji Shi," Ji Xuanqing explained.
Though Ji Xuanqing held the rank of a Second-Class official and was over five hundred years old, based on lineage, he was considered a nephew of Emperor Wu. His branch of the family had multiplied quickly.
The Great Ancestor and Ji Shuang were brothers, with Emperor Wu being the Great Ancestor's fourth-generation descendant, and Ji Xuanqing the sixth-generation descendant of Ji Shuang. Now that Zhao Xing held the title of Duke of Integrity, officially recognized as the emperor's sworn brother, calling him "Uncle" wasn't entirely inappropriate.
Of course, in most cases, such relations were treated casually. Ji Xuanqing had used the salutation deliberately to leave an impression.
His family had resided in Xiji Prefecture for many years, and he understood that without some effort, they might not even come to Emperor Wu's attention. Zhao Xing, seeing through Ji Xuanqing's intentions, didn't comment further. He simply smiled and said, "Make the necessary preparations."
"Yes," Ji Xuanqing replied obediently and withdrew.
Half a month later, the True Lord Siming arrived in Xiji Prefecture.
One month later, the appointed officer, Ji Si, secretly transported the divine artifact Heavenly Heart Hall to Xichang City.
"Duke of Integrity," Ji Si reported upon arrival, "in addition to Heavenly Heart Hall, His Majesty has sent along one hundred Heavenly Soul Fruits. If these prove insufficient, we can requisition more."
Heavenly Soul Fruits were generally reserved for high-ranking meritorious officials. The one hundred fruits sent came from the imperial palace's own reserves and didn't require drawing from the national treasury or academies like Shangluo Academy. If needed, additional fruits could still be sourced.
"This will suffice," Zhao Xing nodded. It was evident that Ji Che placed great importance on the matter. In law, so many Heavenly Soul Fruits weren't necessary. The Rebirth Pool within Heavenly Heart Hall had a limited number of uses and couldn't endlessly revive souls.
It was clear that Ji Che was preparing for future contingencies. "When do we begin?" Ji Si asked.
"Right now," Zhao Xing replied impatiently.
Ji Si silently stepped aside to guard the process. Zhao Xing released Wuyuan's soul.
"Eat!"
Zhao Xing opened his mouth, and a black vortex appeared above Wuyuan's life soul.
The vortex exerted a strong pull on every part of Wuyuan's essence—except for the fragment of his Primordial Soul Crystal, which remained immovable. "Arghhh!"
Wuyuan's life soul contorted in agony. Forcefully extracting a Primordial Soul Crystal was an excruciating process.
Zhao Xing had devised a highly effective method to ensure success. By conducting the extraction within Heavenly Heart Hall, he leveraged the artifact's rules to isolate the crystal from the outside world. Even if the soul shattered during the process, the crystal fragment would remain intact.
Other divine artifacts wouldn't suffice; only a soul-related artifact could manage such a task.
If not for recognizing it as a work of soul-based craftsmanship, even detecting the unusual nature of the crystal fragment might have been a fruitless endeavor.
"Rise!"
The vortex tore through Wuyuan's form, grinding him like a millstone.
"Buzz~"
As the phenomenon unfolded, the Primordial Soul Crystal fragment emitted a black light, attempting to vanish into the void.
However, it soon stabilized, protected within the confines of Heavenly Heart Hall.
Wuyuan's soul, meanwhile, triggered a protective mechanism during the separation, dispersing entirely.
This attempt didn't yield any memories from Wuyuan.
"Is this the peculiar item?" Ji Si asked, gazing at the soul crystal fragment. "It is indeed remarkable."
"Yes," Zhao Xing replied, carefully sealing the fragment within a box.
Possessing the item wasn't enough; they still needed to retrieve the method of its use from Wuyuan's mind.
"Summon the True Lord Siming!" Zhao Xing commanded.
Ji Si began burning incense for the ritual, and the divine idol within Heavenly Heart Hall began to stir.
The True Lord Siming maintained an indifferent expression, devoid of any signs of life in his gaze.
As the first-generation Yin Spirit, the True Lord Siming had completely lost the emotions he had in life and now operated solely according to the rules.
"Greetings, True Lord." Zhao Xing cupped his hands respectfully.
"True Lord, please resurrect the recently dissipated soul and restore it to a ghostly state."
"This is possible," replied the True Lord Siming, nodding faintly.
He clasped his hands in the air, and the pillars within the grand hall began to tremble. Four soul pillars emitted a thick mist.
Soon, Wuyuan, who had disintegrated amidst the four soul pillars, began to reappear, his form gradually becoming clearer.
"Swish~"
A spirit tablet flew up from the altar, capturing Wuyuan and sealing him within. The tablet then plunged into the Rebirth Pool.
"Gurgle~ Gurgle~"
Mist rose from the Primordial Soul Liquid, causing Wuyuan's form to become even more distinct.
Moments later, Wuyuan's gaze became more focused as he looked around in confusion.
The instant his eyes fell on Zhao Xing, his expression twisted into shock and terror. Without hesitation, he attempted to self-destruct.
"Hmph, and you think you can die here?"
With a wave of his hand, Zhao Xing trapped Wuyuan's soul immediately.
Then, without giving Wuyuan a chance to resist, he force-fed him a Heavenly Soul Fruit.
"Mmmph!" Wuyuan groaned, trying to resist, but he was powerless against Zhao Xing's control.
The fruit's power soon began to take effect, enveloping Wuyuan's soul in a soft white glow.
Seeing the fruit's efficacy take hold, Zhao Xing summoned his Soul-Devouring Dharma Body to consume the soul.
Half an hour passed.
"Buzz~"
Once again, Wuyuan's soul collapsed.
"Still no success?" Ji Si asked, her tone tinged with concern.
"There's an advanced protective force interfering," Zhao Xing said thoughtfully. "Even though Wuyuan's soul has already been crushed once, the rules protecting him include temporal elements. They, too, are restored each time."
"Such terrifying power?" Ji Si was visibly shaken.
Under normal circumstances, a soul resurrected through the Rebirth Pool should have no issues remaining intact.
Yet, Wuyuan's soul, even after being fragmented to the state of a Penitent Spirit, somehow continued to be affected by that protective force.
"What are you doing?" Zhao Xing asked, casting Ji Si a side-eye as he appeared to be examining Wuyuan's form closely.
"Nothing," Ji Si replied, withdrawing his hand nonchalantly.
Zhao Xing could only wonder what kind of bizarre idea Ji Si might have conjured up this time.
"You're not thinking about writing letters to ghosts again, are you?" Zhao Xing quipped.
Ji Si's eyes lit up. "Did Duke of Integrity also think of this method?"
Zhao Xing: "..."
He regretted even making the joke.
Waving dismissively, Zhao Xing quickly changed the subject. "Let's focus on the matter at hand. This time, I'll crush his soul to the Hope state. True Lord, keep a close watch."
"Understood." Ji Si straightened her posture, her seriousness returning.
"Buzz!"
Sensing the mysterious protective power, Zhao Xing decided against using his Soul-Devouring Dharma Body this time. Instead, he activated the Seven Soul Stars technique from the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit to obliterate Wuyuan.
"Boom!"
Seven radiant stars converged, pulverizing Wuyuan's soul entirely.
In Zhao Xing and Ji Si's view, Wuyuan's shadow shattered twice over.
The first shattering turned him from a ghost into a Penitent Spirit. The second obliteration transitioned him into the Hope state.
"Summon the True Lord Siming!"
Wuyuan emerged from the Rebirth Pool once more, his despair evident.
He couldn't escape, nor could he die—he was trapped in a torturous cycle.
"Let me die… Let me die…" Wuyuan muttered, his voice filled with sorrow and helplessness.
Before he could finish, Zhao Xing once again exerted control over him.
"The protective force is weakening."
Hearing Zhao Xing's assessment, Ji Si looked doubtful. He couldn't perceive any change.
Still, Zhao Xing's expertise in such matters was unmatched. As the only cultivator to have perfected the second layer of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, with an unprecedented fifty thousand soul fragments at his disposal, his proficiency in soul analysis was unparalleled. He had even resolved the long-standing issues with Liu Tianning's myriad puppets.
"We'll need to take some risks," Zhao Xing said, feeding Wuyuan another Heavenly Soul Fruit and taking a deep breath. "This time, I'll attempt to crush him to the Void state."
"With the Heavenly Soul Fruit's protection, he'll recondense to the 'Hope' state before reaching complete annihilation."
"Combining this with the True Lord Siming's intervention gives us a strong chance to eliminate the protective force in his life soul."
"But there's also a chance of failure."
"No matter the outcome, this will be the final attempt."
"Understood. Duke of Integrity, proceed as you see fit." Ji Si nodded, leaving the decision entirely in Zhao Xing's hands.
If Zhao Xing, the most powerful practitioner of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit, using soul-related divine artifacts and with the True Lord Siming's assistance, couldn't resolve this, it would signify the presence of an unbreakable rule.
Could a mere Sith Kingdom truly possess such an unbreakable rule?
If so, that alone would serve as proof to convince others.
Of course, success was still preferable.
"I'll begin now," Zhao Xing said, as Ji Si started documenting the process.
"Go!"
Zhao Xing stretched out his hands, summoning seven soul stars that expanded rapidly, each occupying a distinct position.
At the same time, Wuyuan was placed at the center.
"Shatter the stars!"
With a low roar, Zhao Xing unleashed the ultimate soul-killing move of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit—Star Shatter.
To obliterate the life soul of a peak Destiny Palace cultivator to the state of void in an instant was no simple feat.
Only the strongest soul-killing technique could potentially nullify the mysterious protective rules.
The seven soul stars converged from seven directions, crashing into the center.
"Boom!"
The colossal collision of soul stars caused the entire Heavenly Heart Hall to tremble.
The stars collapsed, forming a black point at the center, precisely where Wuyuan's soul resided.
Wuyuan's life soul shattered completely, reduced to a void-like state.
Zhao Xing's face turned slightly pale, the move taking a considerable toll on him. Even so, he maintained control, ensuring the stars dissipated in an instant.
Simultaneously—
Lord of Transcendence immediately acted, activating the Four Soul Pillars to reform Wuyuan's soul before the effects of the Heavenly Soul Fruit dissipated. The reconstructed soul was thrown into the Rebirth Pool with a sharp sound. Swoosh~
Zhao Xing appeared right beside the Rebirth Pool, his eyes locked on Wuyuan with unyielding intensity. In that brief moment, Wuyuan's figure displayed an elusive "Ruleless Void." Zhao Xing's eyes gleamed. "This is it!"
Without hesitation, he opened his mouth and devoured Wuyuan's soul. Buzz~
A torrent of images surged into Zhao Xing's mind, the sheer amount of information overwhelming.
But in the next moment, two of those scenes strangely dissipated.
Even though the memories entered Zhao Xing's mind, a mysterious rule was actively guarding the secrets from being leaked. Yet Zhao Xing managed to capture fragments during the fleeting gaps.
"First memory fragment."
Zhao Xing closed his eyes and activated the Great Dream Spring and Autumn Technique to reconstruct the memory scene. Within the dream, he saw a round fortress.
Wuyuan was seated cross-legged, cultivating. Suddenly—
A figure appeared in the secret chamber—it was none other than Ulric.
"Wuyuan, my brother, I have incredible news to share with you!" Ulric exclaimed with excitement.
"Brother, what news?" Wuyuan asked curiously.
"The Grand Master has decided to bestow a gift upon you. After receiving it, you will ascend to the Destiny Palace Stage!"
"What? Is that even possible?!" Wuyuan was stunned.
"Not only that, but if you perform well, the Grand Master will also help you awaken a Rule Domain! I fought hard to secure this opportunity for you." Ulric smiled. "Come with me."
"Understood." Wuyuan, brimming with excitement, followed his brother.
Before long, he arrived at the palace of the Sith Grand Master, Deus. Zhao Xing silently observed everything from Wuyuan's perspective.
He tried to discern Deus's appearance but found it impossible. "Hiding even from subordinates? Deliberately enigmatic?"
Zhao Xing shifted his focus to Deus's actions instead.
Deus retrieved a purple metal rod, its surface glowing faintly as though crafted from stacked metallic segments. Buzz~
A surge of purple light engulfed Wuyuan, distorting the surrounding air. After a long period, Wuyuan finally exited his retreat.
When he emerged, Zhao Xing saw Wuyuan reporting excitedly that after six months of secluded cultivation, he had successfully ascended to the Destiny Palace Stage. The first memory fragment ended there.
"Breaking through in just six months—and not even through a Fortune Dynasty's national blessings? What kind of method is this?" Zhao Xing couldn't identify the purple rod but recognized its use as an exceptionally advanced technique for manipulating spiritual energy.
"A method of manipulating spiritual energy... The Sith Grand Master indeed holds profound opportunities!" Zhao Xing's eyes glinted. "He must have not only divine artifacts but also techniques for storing and using spiritual energy. And plenty of it."
Second memory fragment.
Fifty years had passed since Wuyuan's breakthrough.
By this time, Wuyuan had reached the late Destiny Palace Stage, following his brother in numerous battles across the lands.
One day, after accumulating great merit, Wuyuan once again stood before Deus.
"Wuyuan, I will take you to a place that will help you comprehend a Rule Domain. But I will need to erase your memories of the journey. Do not resist the Purple Light Divine Command," Deus said, still shrouded in golden light, his face obscured.
Purple Light Divine Command? So that's what it's called? Zhao Xing finally learned the name of Deus's artifact. "Understood," Wuyuan obediently lay prostrate, relaxing his mind.
Deus pointed at the top of Wuyuan's head. In an instant, Wuyuan's gaze became vacant. However, Zhao Xing noticed the memory fragments were still intact.
This was because Zhao Xing had already neutralized such protective measures.
"It's starting." Zhao Xing focused intently, unwilling to miss even the smallest detail. Deus took Wuyuan aboard a warship that soon hovered over an icy glacier. Deus disembarked, leaving Wuyuan inside the ship.
Crunch, crunch, crunch. Whoosh~~~
Through Wuyuan's perceptions, Zhao Xing attempted to deduce Deus's actions.
"These memories include Wuyuan's sensations—every sound, every vibration. This noise… could it be the glacier cracking open? A sea vortex forming? Thunder rumbling in the eastern and southern skies…"
Wuyuan didn't understand celestial phenomena, but he could clearly remember his sensations. Zhao Xing pieced them together with his analysis.
Though the connection was indirect, Zhao Xing believed his deductions were likely accurate. Before long, Deus returned.
A heavy splash echoed outside the warship. "That must be entering the sea."
"The ship is descending rapidly. The cold outside is becoming dense, spiraling as it solidifies..." Zhao Xing summarized. At a certain point, the ship's speed slowed, leveling out. "Given the descent speed, we've likely plunged over two hundred thousand li below the surface. Such depths are rare, even in the Western Extreme Glacier!"
Zhao Xing felt a surge of excitement. At last, he had obtained valuable information. "Wuyuan, step out," Deus commanded.
"Yes."
Wuyuan complied, stepping outside.
Before them, the dark seabed revealed towering underwater ice mountains, surrounded by turbulent ocean currents. Deus led Wuyuan through the expanse for a long time while Zhao Xing silently calculated their path.
Suddenly—
The vision brightened. The glaciers shifted, propelled by the furious currents.
A city constructed entirely of glaciers appeared beneath the ocean!
It floated amidst the waters, immovable amidst the violent currents and deadly ice spikes. "We've arrived!" Zhao Xing's excitement grew as he observed intently.
Deus, holding the Purple Light Divine Command, led Wuyuan into the city. Ahead stood an ancient palace.
Three massive statues, each holding an artifact resembling Deus's command, dominated the palace courtyard.
Deus led Wuyuan to a chamber surrounded by a purple light barrier. Using the Purple Light Divine Command, he opened a small opening. Zhao Xing's vision briefly blurred.
The next scene revealed Wuyuan standing in a wide corridor, its walls adorned with ancient murals. In Deus's hands floated a thumb-sized black diamond-shaped crystal.
"This is the Heavenly Qi Soul Artifact," Deus said, his left hand holding the crystal as his right gestured to the mural. "This mural is called the Heavenly Qi Soul Diagram."
"Wuyuan, use your soul power to envelop it and follow the diagram's flow through seven cycles. Once complete, you will successfully refine it and awaken a Dark Rule Domain."
"Understood," Wuyuan replied, trembling with excitement.
Since this only required refining an artifact, Wuyuan completed it in just half a month.
Deus then brought Wuyuan to another mural, setting down seven bottles nearby. "This is spirit liquid."
"You may consume it and meditate on this mural. It is called the Void Divine Prison."
"Yes."
However, parts of the memory appeared fragmented, skipping certain time nodes. Wuyuan, seated in meditation, abruptly stood up again.
Zhao Xing could only sense that Wuyuan had mastered a technique from the Void Divine Prison, an advanced method aligned with the Dark Rule Domain. Afterward, Deus once again used the Purple Light Divine Command on Wuyuan, erasing his memories.
Deus also made Wuyuan swear a soul oath.
Layer after layer of protections ensured secrecy before Deus finally led Wuyuan out.
Once they breached the ocean's surface, the memory ended. Back in the Heavenly Heart Hall, Zhao Xing opened his eyes.
"Well?" Ji Si nervously asked. He had no idea if Zhao Xing had succeeded. Zhao Xing remained silent for a long time, as if engaged in profound calculations.
Ji Si quietly waited. Finally, Zhao Xing spoke.
"I have understood the method for using this peculiar artifact."
"By absorbing it, one can awaken a Tier-3 Dark Rule Domain. The Sith Grand Master holds the key to a secret treasure trove. The treasures within… are astonishing!"
Ji Si asked, "How astonishing?"
Zhao Xing replied, "Astonishing enough that we'll need to wage a war of annihilation to claim it."