"Illusion curse?" Upon hearing those words, Jing Yan's expression changed. "My friend has been staying here the whole time and hasn't left. How could he have been affected by an illusion curse?"
Cang Yu Messenger's face darkened. Though he was merely a spirit adept at handling information rather than a powerful combat spirit, the fact that Zhao Xing had fallen under an illusion curse while staying inside Yuanhai Hall was a stain on its reputation.
Du Yun's expression also turned grim. He had only left for a moment to welcome a guest, and yet Zhao Xing had already fallen into trouble. Since he was the one protecting Zhao Xing, this was an embarrassment to him as well.
"Can it be removed?" Du Yun asked.
"Difficult," the great scholar pointed to his temple. "Curses are inherently tricky to deal with, and breaking one cast by someone else is even harder. This is the work of a mental spellmaster."
"What do you mean?" Jing Yan grew anxious. "Are you saying his condition can't be cured?"
"I'm not sick," Zhao Xing frowned. "I'm just—"
Before he could finish, Du Yun waved his hand, sealing off Zhao Xing's entire body and rendering him motionless like a wooden puppet.
"He's not entirely wrong," the great scholar glanced at Zhao Xing. "Mental influence doesn't leave visible wounds."
"When one's willpower is affected, it alters their personality and inflates their desires. It's not an illness, at least not in the conventional sense."
"Some emperors were wise and heroic in their youth, yet became muddleheaded and tyrannical in their later years, making incomprehensible decisions."
"This isn't a physical injury but a form of influence. That's why it bypassed Tiger Head Star Continent's defense system."
"This mental illusionist is highly skilled. I believe they intended to capture Zhao Xing alive; otherwise, he'd already be dead."
"Every field has its own specialists. Just as you, Du Yun, can dominate others in the Grand Divine Ability Realm and even slay Dao Domain cultivators, this mental illusionist is nearly invincible against those at the same level."
It was complicated. Du Yun, Cang Yu, and Jing Yan all felt their heads spinning as they struggled to grasp the intricacies of mental spellmasters.
But Du Yun grasped the key point. "Difficult doesn't mean impossible. Master Zoren, do you have a way to solve this problem?"
Zoren nodded. "Yes. The simplest method is isolation and observation."
"Illusion curses have a time limit. Their influence is temporary. It's like how people suffer psychological trauma from sudden events. If they are removed from the source of the stimulus, given enough time, they recover naturally."
Du Yun thought for a moment, then shook his head. "That won't do. Give me another solution."
Zhao Xing had just completed a deal with him and had immediately fallen under an illusion curse. If he didn't cure Zhao Xing, Du Yun wouldn't be able to maintain his reputation in the cosmic circles.
Zoren nodded. "Then leave him to me. I can restore him, but I'll need your cooperation."
"What do I need to do?" Du Yun asked.
Zoren pointed toward the stars. "Illusion curses require a medium, and their effective range is critical. Based on Tiger Head Star Continent's defense system, this Dao Domain spellmaster is likely hiding within 0.5 star sectors of this location."
"If you kill him or drive him away, it will help me tremendously."
"After that, I'll expend five hundred thousand years' worth of cultivation to transfer the curse on his Dao Body to you, allowing you to bear the burden instead."
"The illusion curse has a significant impact on him, but it won't affect you at all."
"However, before I can perform the ritual, you must either drive out or kill the caster."
Du Yun's eyes glowed with killing intent. "Fine, let's do it!"
Cang Yu, the artifact spirit, immediately voiced his support. "I will fully cooperate with the Lord of Yellow Sand Mansion and keep this matter confidential."
Du Yun nodded slightly, then vanished with Cang Yu.
"I'm going too," Jing Yan said, preparing to leave.
"No, you stay," Zoren said. "I need you as my assistant. I may need you to attack him."
"Understood," Jing Yan remained behind.
The room was quiet, but Zoren didn't waste any time. With a wave of his hand, a massive clock, as tall as a person, appeared in front of Zhao Xing.
The clock face displayed the twelve earthly branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, and Hai.
Around the clock dial, there were additional markings for the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—as well as the five elemental attributes.
A stream of chaotic energy flowed across the dial, eventually condensing into a single pointer.
The moment the clock appeared, its aura slowly synchronized with Zhao Xing's energy.
Jing Yan was shocked to discover that in his perception, there were now two Zhao Xings.
If he ignored his eyesight, the clock felt like another living, breathing Zhao Xing.
Zoren glanced at Jing Yan, who was about to ask a question, and chuckled. "You're quite interesting. Which part of the Red Star Empire are you from?"
"North Wild Star System, sir," Jing Yan answered respectfully.
"I've visited your capital city before," Zoren recalled. "It's a fine place."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"If you have any questions, feel free to ask," Zoren said, pulling up a chair and sitting down.
"Sir, what exactly is this?" Jing Yan pointed at the clock.
"The Inner World Clock," Zoren replied. "He's under the influence of an illusion curse, and his Dao Body has been affected."
"His willpower has been tampered with. He's constantly in a state of heightened excitement and tension. His Dao Body, acupoints, spiritual energy, and even his fundamental essence are all in a state of battle-readiness."
"If this lasted for a short time, it wouldn't be a problem. But over a long period, it will disrupt his cultivation."
Jing Yan let out a string of curses under his breath.
Zoren laughed when he heard him. Jing Yan's curses were particularly colorful.
Beyond Tiger Head Star Continent, in the cosmic void, atop a meteor—
Kui Jiu watched as a large number of patrol officers and mechanized puppets appeared before him.
"I've been discovered."
With such a large commotion on Tiger Head Star Continent, Kui Jiu had naturally sensed it. He could also tell that Du Yun had teamed up with several Dao Domain cultivators to clear the area.
It was obvious—they were forcing him to leave.
"I was already being careful, yet I still got found out." Kui Jiu wasn't too disappointed. The universe was full of unexpected events.
He had only taken this mission because it seemed simple, with low risk.
As a mental spellmaster, he only needed to cast his illusion from afar. If it worked, great. If it didn't, his presence would rarely be noticed.
Kui Jiu's profession relied on concealment.
"I'll have to find another opportunity."
Without hesitation, he activated his boundary vessel and traversed away, escaping the cleared-out area. However, Kui Jiu knew that since the enemy was now on high alert, it would be difficult to find another chance in the short term.
"Compared to fighting Du Yun head-on, losing a bit of the deposit isn't a big deal." Kui Jiu remained pragmatic. He wasn't foolish enough to go against Du Yun just for 150 billion Red Star Coins.
…
"The area within 0.5 star sectors has been fully searched," Cang Yu reported to Du Yun. "Lord, do you want us to search again?"
"No need." Du Yun shook his head. The opponent had escaped at the first sign of danger—clearly, a professional. Without preparation, it was extremely difficult to catch a Dao Domain spellmaster in the public starry sea. Unless he was already within Du Yun's range of perception.
Once Du Yun had locked onto someone, even a Dao Domain cultivator proficient in the Five Elements would struggle to escape.
But right now, there wasn't even a trace of the enemy. Naturally, there was nothing to catch.
"Du Yun, I can feel the illusion curse weakening," Zoren's voice echoed in his mind. "That person has probably left."
"To prevent him from returning, I'll patrol the area," Du Yun instructed Cang Yu. "The rest of you can go back and handle your business in the ancient kingdom."
"Marquis Lin, Brother Hai, thank you both." Du Yun cupped his hands toward the two other Dao Domain cultivators.
"You're too polite, Lord," the two Dao Domain cultivators returned the gesture. Even though they were a full realm higher than Du Yun, they knew their combat strength couldn't compare to his.
Not everyone could master Grand Divine Abilities. Many Dao Domain cultivators had only passed the Lesser Divine Ability stage before rushing to open their Dao Domains, since it was an easier path to advancement.
The distinction between Lesser Divine Ability and Grand Divine Ability realms within the third cultivation stage was a clear line that separated geniuses from ordinary cultivators.
With a flash of light, Du Yun vanished from their sight.
"Gone." Marquis Lin blinked. In an instant, he had lost track of Du Yun.
"At the Origin Stage, the normal speed range is between one to ten times the speed of light, but Du Yun exceeds eighty times the speed of light," the other Dao Domain cultivator sighed in admiration. "The higher the speed, the harder it is to increase further. No wonder he was chosen by the Origin Heaven Palace as a genius."
"Let's go, Brother Lin."
The two no longer lingered. They had completely lost track of Du Yun.
…
The hands of the clock started to move.
Zoren suspended the unconscious Zhao Xing in midair. His body was completely rigid, like a clock hand, rotating ever so slightly.
With each full rotation, Zhao Xing's breathing slowed, his heartbeat and spiritual energy circulation diminished, and the origin light radiating from his Purple Yin and Purple Yang star acupoints became less intense.
A thousand days later, Zhao Xing's Dao Field released a powerful burst of energy.
Afterward, his aura completely stabilized, his breathing even and calm.
"Wake up."
Zoren's voice echoed in Zhao Xing's mind.
Moments later, Zhao Xing's eyes slowly opened.
He saw Du Yun standing nearby, as well as Jing Yan and Zoren, along with the strange, ancient-looking clock.
"How do you feel?" Du Yun asked.
By this point, Zoren had completed both the Dao Body adjustment and the curse transfer process.
"I feel like I just had a dream," Zhao Xing murmured in confusion.
"What did you dream about?" Zoren asked.
"I dreamed that I found a supreme treasure outside, ascended to the Dao Domain Realm… but the dream was incredibly tense, almost suffocating, like winning the lottery and being unable to sleep from excitement and fear… But now, I feel relieved." Zhao Xing stretched his body. "My mind feels clear and relaxed."
Listening to Zhao Xing's description, Du Yun turned to Zoren. "Is he cured?"
"I can't say for certain what kind of person he originally was, or whether his personality has changed," Zoren replied. "But at the very least, he won't act irrationally based on the illusions from the curse. You could say he's back to normal."
Jing Yan walked up to Zhao Xing. "Do you remember me?"
Zhao Xing thought for a moment. "I do. You were in my dream… and you stabbed me twice. Thanks for that."
"Shit, you scared the hell out of me." Jing Yan finally exhaled in relief.
"Alright, let's not have him dwell on this any longer." Zoren waved his hand, pulling Jing Yan aside.
"Zhao Xing, this wasn't just a dream. But for now, you should treat it as a nightmare. Let it pass and don't think about it." Zoren stared at Zhao Xing. "Do you know the Memory Sealing Technique? If not, I can teach you."
"I know it," Zhao Xing nodded. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, gradually suppressing the memory of the 'fortune-sensing' illusion.
"Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Master Zoren." Zhao Xing bowed deeply. Though he didn't fully understand what had happened, he knew he had just survived a disaster.
"You don't need to thank me," Du Yun said. "Forget it, now isn't the time for explanations. Stay here and study under Master Zoren."
"Once you've learned everything, come find me again."
"Yes."
"Jing Yan, you should leave as well." Du Yun glanced at him.
"Zhao Xing, send me a message when you're done here," Jing Yan said.
"Got it."
Soon, only Zoren and Zhao Xing remained in the room.
"Du Yun invited me here to grant you the enlightenment of a Scholar's Dao Transmission," Zoren said. "I can only perform this transmission once per person, unless I advance two more steps and reach the Reincarnation Realm."
Zhao Xing nodded slightly.
Through his interface's detection ability, he could see Zoren's name, occupation, and cultivation realm—Yin-Yang Dao Domain Realm.
"You're a dual-Origin cultivator, practicing both Purple Yin and Purple Yang?"
"I am," Zhao Xing confirmed. A Scholar's Dao Transmission required honesty regarding one's cultivation path.
"Show me the Dao you have walked."
Zhao Xing waved his hand, and immediately, the two Origin Forces of Purple Yin and Purple Yang intertwined in midair.
The Grand Dao of Origin was essentially the mastery of spiritual energy, primarily modeled after the Solar Origin Qi and Lunar Origin Qi, blending and simulating them.
No matter how techniques evolved, they all traced back to these two fundamental sources.
Zoren nodded. "Using the Myriad Sea Realm's Self-School techniques to balance the Yin and Yang origins, achieving a perfect equilibrium in your Dao Body—you have decent aptitude and comprehension."
Zhao Xing wasn't foolish, and to Zoren, that was good news.
At the very least, it meant he could conserve some effort and time.
If Zhao Xing were an idiot, Zoren would have to expend significantly more effort to guide him.
"Forget reaching the Dao Domain Realm for now. Even without seeking a Scholar's Dao Transmission, you could still reach the Third Stage within a few thousand years." Zoren evaluated. "However, using Myriad Sea Realm to balance your Heavenly Timing technique has its drawbacks."
Zhao Xing's expression became serious. "Please enlighten me, sir."
"The problem is that your Heavenly Timing technique will always be constrained by the Self-School technique." Zoren pointed at the swirling diagram resembling the Taiji symbol.
"The Purple Yin and Purple Yang techniques were created to help cultivators comprehend the two supreme origin stars of the Purple Divine Star System."
"You are using the internal world of the Self-School to counterbalance the Purple Yin and Purple Yang techniques—essentially a shortcut."
"In the short term, this lets you rapidly progress, but it also means your understanding of the Dao of Heavenly Timing remains superficial."
"In the future, your Dao Body will inevitably face a greater bottleneck."
"Moreover, Myriad Sea Realm was a technique developed by a royal family from the Myriad Sea Ancient Kingdom, and it can only take you to the Third Stage."
"The Self-School's techniques are rare. Even if you acquire an advanced version later, there's no guarantee you'll be able to replicate the same path for further growth."
"You haven't truly cultivated both paths. Instead, you've exclusively focused on the Self-School's Dao. Any improvement in your Heavenly Timing technique is merely a byproduct of enhancing your Self-School Dao. Do you understand my point?"
Zhao Xing pondered Zoren's words, falling into deep thought.
"I understand, sir."
"The Grand Dao has no shortcuts," Zoren said slowly. "Those who rely on tricks often walk a path of deviation and risk falling into madness."
"Of course, if you manage to carve out your own path successfully, then disregard my words."
Zhao Xing chuckled. If he succeeded, he would be an innovator, creating an entirely new technique.
Zoren wasn't here to argue right or wrong—only to discuss pros and cons.
"You may retain your own understanding." Zoren waved his hand. "My Dao Comprehension Realm can help you focus solely on understanding the Dao of Heavenly Timing, allowing your path to naturally reach the Third Stage."
Zhao Xing understood Zoren's meaning—this was a way to break through without relying on shortcuts. In other words, he wouldn't need Myriad Sea Realm to maintain equilibrium.
This didn't contradict his current path. If he wanted to continue balancing the two later, he still could.
This way, the Dao of Heavenly Timing would become a truly independent and powerful path for Zhao Xing, rather than just an offshoot of the Self-School Dao.
Zoren waved his hand, and a gateway of light appeared before Zhao Xing.
Half of it was a deep purple, while the other half shone with a bright violet hue.
A star hovered on each side.
"This is the Dao Comprehension Realm I have prepared for you."
"Within fifty years, your mastery of Heavenly Timing will reach the Third Stage."
"After that, we will proceed with the transmission of the 'Laws.'"
Zhao Xing hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Sir, could you teach me the first layer of Extreme Land? So I can complete my breakthrough?"
Zoren countered with a question. "What do you think?"
Zhao Xing felt slightly embarrassed. He cupped his hands toward Zoren in apology before stepping into the gateway.
A technique like Extreme Land was impossible to receive through a Scholar's Dao Transmission.
Even if Zoren could teach it, he wouldn't dare.
Such techniques were used to filter and select talents—it was part of a governance structure deeply tied to ruling authority. Who would dare violate such a system?
A Scholar's Dao Comprehension Realm was known as the Gate of Mysteries.
It was incredibly profound—and astonishingly effective.
Each Scholar's Dao Comprehension Realm was unique.
The moment Zhao Xing stepped inside, he saw another version of himself.
This other Zhao Xing stood within the boundless void, his Dao Body towering over ten thousand kilometers in height.
Two streams of energy, like chaotic currents, swirled around him, making his form appear flawless. As Zhao Xing observed closely, every inch of muscle, blood vessels, and acupoints were clearly visible before him.
Spiritual energy and the body intertwined, and 840 million stars seemed to exist as solid entities.
His entire Dao Body was like a vast, intricate diagram of cultivation techniques, displaying countless angles of comprehension before his eyes.
"This… is my Third Stage self?"
Zhao Xing quickly understood Zoren's capability.
"I can completely sense how these Daos resonate with me. Every movement I make carries a Dao rhythm, originating from me yet surpassing my current self."
With this stronger version of himself as a reference, Zhao Xing only needed to follow the sample and cultivate accordingly.
This was the true meaning of "showing the path."
Even the dullest person wouldn't struggle to cultivate when their future self was laid out before them—this was practically spoon-feeding cultivation progress.
"Fifty years? That's way too long." Zhao Xing immediately sat down and began his comprehension.
The spiritual energy here was unbelievably dense. If cultivating was like constructing a building, then there was no longer any concern about lacking materials.
Before receiving a Scholar's Dao Transmission, cultivators had to worry about making mistakes in their foundation. But here, mistakes were impossible.
Because his future self stood right in front of him—whatever it did, he simply had to follow.
"This is practically idiot-proof cultivation."
Zhao Xing sensed his cultivation surging rapidly and couldn't help but be amazed.
Inside the Dao Comprehension Realm, his strength was transforming every moment.
The progress of his Purple Yin and Purple Yang techniques jumped from 62% to 63% in the blink of an eye.
As spiritual energy entered his body and merged with his power, it confirmed that his comprehension of the Dao was correct—Qi and body were fully integrated, forming his own usable strength. This was the foundation of Origin Stage cultivation.
Zhao Xing's path was rooted in spellcraft, so he didn't need to merge his soul like martial artists did at this stage, allowing his progress to skyrocket.
In just seven years, his comprehension had reached 90%.
By the ninth year, he was already at 99%.
Then, without any obstacles, he reached 100%.
A direct breakthrough!
Boom!
The 840 million origin stars within Zhao Xing's Dao Body all lit up simultaneously. The whirlpool in his dantian, once a dull gray, transformed into a dazzling nebula.
Each of the 840 million origin stars solidified completely, no longer appearing as illusory projections.
Zhao Xing felt his comprehension of the Five Elements Dao, the Yin-Yang Dao, the Life Dao, and all other Grand Daos within the universe become clearer than ever.
"With my Dao Body's transformation, casting spells has become much easier, and my Dao Field has expanded significantly," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "Now, my Dao Field can already encompass an entire mid-tier realm star."
"With a single thought, the boundaries between a mid-tier realm star and a small world would be repelled by my Dao Field."
"I am no longer bound by the world rules of small worlds. Instead, my Dao Field can replace the world's rules."
What did this mean? It meant that he had essentially become the 'Heavenly Dao Ruler' of any small world he entered.
For martial artists, their path required them to shatter the rules of a world, proving their Dao through raw power.
Both paths had their own advantages. In terms of control, the spellcasting path was superior—martial artists could destroy, but they couldn't control with a mere thought.
However, when martial artists reached the Third Stage, they unlocked the Golden Body, revealing the hidden treasures within their physical bodies. This granted them Innate Divine Abilities, something spellcasters couldn't acquire due to the lack of soul fusion.
Without soul integration, even a perfected Dao Body remained nothing more than flesh and blood.
[Name: Zhao Xing]
[Occupation: Shennong]
[Stage: Third Stage (Lesser Divine Ability Stage)]
[Dao Field: Mid-Tier Realm Star, Level One]
[Age: 2031]
[Remaining Lifespan: 1.9 Eras]
"I can now live for two full Eras. The maximum lifespan for the Third Stage is around three Eras," Zhao Xing calculated.
Buzz—
Sensing Zhao Xing's breakthrough, Zoren quickly retracted the Dao Comprehension Realm.
"Not bad. Faster than I expected."
A glint of admiration flashed in Zoren's eyes.
He was quite satisfied with Zhao Xing's performance.
He had estimated a fifty-year breakthrough, but Zhao Xing had achieved it in less than ten years.
"Thank you, sir, for your teachings." Zhao Xing respectfully bowed once more.
From late Second Stage to perfection, then breaking through into the Third Stage—there had been no bottlenecks at all. It was effortless and natural.
If he had cultivated on his own, who knew how many years it would have taken?
"No need for excessive formality," Zoren waved it off. "That was merely the appetizer. Now comes the real Dao Transmission."
Zhao Xing felt a rush of excitement.
For spellcasters, a Scholar's Dao Transmission wasn't just about breaking through the Dao Body.
The essence of the spellcasting path lay in the Laws!
In other words, Zoren had to teach him a Divine Ability for it to be considered a complete Dao Transmission.
Zoren introduced, "I have mastered nearly half of the Divine Abilities available in the Ancient Kingdom Alliance of the Barren Domain. Of course, for those that are too obscure or rare, I am less proficient."
"You may choose one yourself, or pick from what I know."
Zhao Xing's eyes lit up. This felt just like drawing skills from an NPC in a game!
However, there was a limit—he could only obtain Lesser Divine Abilities. Greater Divine Abilities could not be transmitted through Dao Transmission.
"You can take some time to think about it."
Currently, Zhao Xing already possessed four Divine Abilities:
The first was Three Divinities Destiny Palace, a Lesser Divine Ability derived from the Greater Divine Ability Reincarnation, originating from the Reincarnation Divine Palace.
The second was Heavenly Sight of the Soul, a Divine Ability created by Su Wan, which was a theoretical application based on Three Divinities Destiny Palace—a detection-type Divine Ability that Zhao Xing had learned.
The third was Eight Epochs of Purple Light, a Lesser Divine Ability belonging to Qing Yuzi.
The fourth was Severing Origin Divine Ability.
In addition, Juyang Straw Puppet Technique—which he had obtained the method for—had yet to reach the level of a Divine Ability, currently only at the Void Law stage.
Since Juyang Straw Puppet Technique was an obscure technique, Zoren likely wouldn't know it.
Even if Zoren did, Zhao Xing wouldn't choose to enhance it.
That would be a waste of this rare opportunity—it was better to obtain a completely new Divine Ability.
"If you don't know what to choose, I have a recommendation for you," Zoren offered.
"Please advise me, sir." Zhao Xing responded respectfully.
"A Divine Ability focused on mental willpower. Your mental willpower has never been properly honed."
"In my opinion, it is your weakest aspect."
"You are correct."
After his recent tribulation, Zhao Xing finally realized this was a glaring weakness.
In the cosmic era, he had advanced too quickly and never undergone such training.
The Three Divinities Destiny Palace was a soul-type Divine Ability, but soul cultivation and mental willpower weren't the same thing.
The soul consisted of the Fate Soul, Heavenly Soul, and Earth Soul. While related, they couldn't be lumped together.
A strong soul provided advantages in calculation, deduction, and resisting direct soul attacks, but it didn't guarantee willpower strength or mental resilience.
Disciples from powerful clans typically underwent this type of training during the Origin Stage.
Take Jing Yan, for example. When exploring tombs, even when Mi Luo Flowers invaded his mind, he remained calm and collected.
Because his willpower was unwavering, he endured the invasive pain without so much as a groan. Even amid extreme agony, he could still resist, maintain control, and cast Divine Abilities.
Later, when facing Wang Yun's sudden appearance, he stood his ground—prepared to engage in battle at any moment.
That was the power of a trained will.
Jing Yan had undergone special training and cultivated methods related to mental willpower.
But Zhao Xing had never trained in this area.
He should not have neglected it, but after transitioning to the cosmic era, he simply never had the time.
Just mastering the three Shennong factions' techniques was already overwhelming.
Moreover, training in mental willpower required long-term dedication—it was a form of hardship cultivation.
With limited energy, Zhao Xing had been unable to prioritize it.
"If you want to learn, I have three Divine Abilities you can choose from," Zoren continued.
"You may listen to their descriptions before deciding."
"Many thanks, sir." Zhao Xing cupped his hands.
"The first is Lingxi Millstone."
"This Divine Ability focuses on refining the self. It has three levels, and upon mastery, your willpower will be like a millstone, capable of grinding down any illusions or curses."
"However, cultivating this technique comes with significant pain. Even during my Dao Transmission, and for some time afterward, you will have to endure it."
"The second is Slaughter Mind Blade. This Divine Ability cultivates the will of slaughter. Your mind will be influenced by the aura of killing, sharpening like a blade, capable of cutting through all illusions. It focuses on offense. However, it is an external cultivation method, requiring you to engage in numerous killings. Through immersion in and absorption of killing intent, you will temper your mind."
"The third is Yin-Yang Spirit Mind Curse. This Divine Ability has the highest potential as it leads to an advanced form—the renowned Mysterious Spirit Divine Curse. It is said to be created by the God of Souls, Xuan Zhuo."
Zoren paused before adding, "My research in this field is decent. Whichever of the three Divine Abilities I transmit to you, you will immediately attain at least the third level of mastery."
Zhao Xing was surprised—Zoren was indeed powerful.
Normally, when a Dao Transmission Scholar taught a Divine Ability, the recipient would only reach the first level, barely considered an entry-level stage.
Yet Zoren could lead someone directly to proficiency.
For spellcasters, obtaining Divine Abilities was far more difficult than for martial artists, and teaching them was even harder. No wonder a good teacher was worth every coin.
Zhao Xing immediately began contemplating.
He decisively ruled out Mysterious Spirit Divine Curse. He had never heard of the so-called God of Souls, Xuan Zhuo.
Anything related to deities—especially unknown ones—was something he absolutely refused to learn, no matter how powerful it was.
So, despite Yin-Yang Spirit Mind Curse seeming like the strongest choice, Zhao Xing ignored it.
That left Lingxi Millstone and Slaughter Mind Blade—both of which he wanted.
However, Lingxi Millstone would affect his movements in the short term, which ultimately made him dismiss it.
"I choose Slaughter Mind Blade."
Killing to temper one's will? That was the most efficient and straightforward method. Zhao Xing could simply hunt venomous vipers or other beasts—there were plenty of suitable targets.
Honing his skills through combat was an easy choice.
Hearing Zhao Xing's decision, Zoren was slightly surprised.
But he wasn't interested in Zhao Xing's thought process.
After all, he was simply here to complete a transaction.
"Are you certain?" Zoren asked once more.
"I confirm," Zhao Xing replied firmly.
Zoren's aura suddenly became incredibly terrifying.
In Zhao Xing's vision, the previously calm scholar had transformed into a half-human, half-beast figure.
His massive frame was covered in powerful muscles, draped in a blood-red battle robe, wielding a variety of ferocious weapons. He had multiple arms, each gripping a battle axe, spear, or greatsword.
Zoren's face was now menacing, his eyes radiating an insatiable thirst for bloodshed.
"This is an Asura Clan Divine Ability," Zoren's voice turned cold. "I obtained it from an Asura Clan ruin, by imprinting the Dao Resonance of 178 Asura warriors' corpses to form this technique."
"Each one of them was at least Dao Domain Realm or Greater Divine Ability Realm, and their hands were stained with the blood of countless lives."
As Zoren spoke, Zhao Xing felt as if he had been transported to a hellish battlefield.
Chaos. Destruction.
Before his eyes, blazing infernos roared, mountains crumbled, and earth shattered, the air thick with the scent of death and terror.
Piles of corpses and rivers of blood formed towering mountains across countless ruined planets.
A blood-red planet expanded in his vision—a scene straight from the underworld, shaking his very soul.
Buzz—
A crimson aura enveloped Zhao Xing.
The overwhelming blood energy surged around him, forming a cocoon of blood.
Zoren's face turned slightly pale.
Even for a Dao Transmission Scholar, transmitting a Divine Ability was a burdensome process.
"Whether you reach the third level or the sixth level of this Divine Ability depends on your own fortune," Zoren thought silently.
Unlike the other two Divine Abilities, this one couldn't be self-taught—it required real slaughter to cultivate.
Zoren had obtained this ability from an Asura ruin, imprinting its Dao Resonance onto his soul to make it his own—a unique ability of Dao Transmission Scholars.
In terms of mastery, this was actually the Divine Ability he had cultivated to perfection.
Since he was merely a conduit in this transmission, the final level Zhao Xing attained would likely be higher than if he had chosen one of the other two Divine Abilities.
By sheer coincidence, Zhao Xing had unknowingly maximized his gains.
Three years later.
The blood cocoon gradually became transparent before finally dissolving.
Zhao Xing opened his eyes, and within them flashed a blade of blood.
The very space in the cultivation chamber trembled and distorted.
With sheer mental willpower, he was affecting the stability of the void itself.
This was the power of a Divine Ability.
"Fifth-Level Divine Ability."
Zhao Xing could feel that everything had changed.
Although his cultivation realm and spiritual power remained the same, he was undeniably stronger.
His mind and willpower could now directly influence reality—his Dao Field would automatically carry the characteristics of Slaughter Mind Blade.
"This trade was worth it."
"If I had learned this on my own, it might've taken me ten thousand years—and I still might have failed."
Training mental willpower was a long, arduous process. Only a Dao Transmission Scholar could shortcut the process, saving countless years of effort.
"The transaction is complete, our karmic ties are settled," Zoren looked at Zhao Xing.
"The transaction is complete, our karmic ties are settled," Zhao Xing repeated the customary phrase.
This was the proper procedure after a Dao Transmission.
However, Zhao Xing still bowed respectfully toward Zoren in gratitude.
Zoren merely nodded and vanished.
Yellow Sand Mansion.
Zoren reappeared in the mansion's hall.
"Du Yun," Zoren greeted.
"Master Zoren, it's finished?" Du Yun asked.
"Yes," Zoren nodded.
"What did he choose?" Du Yun inquired.
"A willpower-based Divine Ability," Zoren replied.
"That's good."
Du Yun didn't press further—after all, that was Zhao Xing's private matter.
"Du Yun, I need to leave," Zoren suddenly said. "I'm returning to Origin Heaven Palace."
"You're leaving so soon?" Du Yun was surprised.
"The Ancient Kingdom Alliance of the Barren Domain is preparing to hold the Third Spiritual Domain Conference soon," Zoren explained. "The likely venues are Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, Flame Moon Ancient Kingdom, or Purple Wing Ancient Kingdom. I need to return quickly and secure the hosting rights for Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom."
The Spiritual Domain Conference hosted by the alliance had a singular purpose—developing new techniques, spells, and formations to counteract the spread of the Barren Domain's influence.
"I'll escort you back," Du Yun offered.
"No need," Zoren waved him off. "Time is tighter than expected. I can travel with King Tianji's caravan."
"In that case, I won't delay you further," Du Yun cupped his hands.
Zoren thought for a moment before saying to Du Yun, "Du Yun, I still owe you a favor. There are some words I don't know if I should say. If I say them, I don't know whether they will be good or bad for you."
Du Yun pondered, "Master Zoren, in your opinion, what's the probability of good versus bad if you tell me?"
Zoren moved his fingers in a calculation. "I cast a divination for you when I arrived. At the time, I saw nothing, only a half-result. Now that I complete it, the odds are sixty to forty, so I believe I can tell you."
"Master, please speak."
"Zhao Xing will bring you great trouble, but he will also bring you great benefits."
Du Yun was slightly startled. He hadn't expected that the divination Zoren had cast for him would be connected to Zhao Xing.
"The trouble concerns life and death, and the benefits also concern life and death."
Zoren continued, "As for what exactly it is, I can't see clearly. My suggestion is this—either stay far away from him or protect him with your life. Do not waver. Otherwise…"
"Otherwise, what?" Du Yun asked.
"Life and death will be unpredictable."
Du Yun's expression became extremely serious. He hadn't expected Zoren to give such an answer.
But thinking about it, it made sense. If both trouble and benefits involved life and death, then hesitating between the two would undoubtedly make his fate uncertain.
"Thank you for your advice, Master." Du Yun cupped his hands. "With this, the karma between us is cleared."
Zoren nodded slightly, then disappeared from the mansion.
After mastering Slaughter Mind Blade, Zhao Xing immediately recalled the past events.
"Zoren said I was hit by an illusion curse, and when I was in Southfall, I sensed someone scheming against me."
"Then this operation must have been orchestrated by Marquis He Yin of the Dongyan Ancient Clan."
"If I had stepped out of Tiger Head Star Continent, it would have been like Tang Monk stepping out of Sun Wukong's protective circle."
"How utterly shameless!"
Zhao Xing's eyes grew cold.
He had never even met this so-called Marquis He Yin of the Dongyan Ancient Clan, yet in his thousand years of traveling the universe, he had already encountered two assassination attempts from him.
And this time, he had barely escaped death.
Now that Zhao Xing truly reflected on it, he couldn't help but feel a lingering fear.
If he had been captured, he would have been dead for sure.
Marquis He Yin would have forced out all his secrets, then exterminated his family, his friends, and everyone from Great Zhou, erasing all traces of him.
Zhao Xing immediately sought out Jing Yan.
"Jing Yan."
"Zhao Xing, you're out of seclusion?" Jing Yan was pleasantly surprised. "Heh, you've reached the third level already. Not bad! Looks like I'll have to break through soon too."
"Jing Yan, since you're of royal blood and a Mechanist, you should have some empire-exclusive encrypted Mechanized Dao Soldiers, right?"
"Of course. They're called Red Star Disks. The empire has encrypted Mechanized Formation Networks in every ancient kingdom." Jing Yan nodded.
"Does the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom have an intelligence department?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Don't say it like that," Jing Yan laughed. "It's an information department!"
Zhao Xing wasn't buying it. "Isn't that the same thing?"
"Fine, information department."
"Why do you ask?"
"I'll give you a code sequence. Help me find a way to establish a secure, encrypted communication with someone," Zhao Xing said. "And I need some investigations done."
"Alright, no problem. What's the goal?" Jing Yan asked.
"I want it to be unexpected."
"Got it," Jing Yan smirked. "Give me half a month to set it up. But you'll need to cover some costs."
"Name your price." Zhao Xing's tone was decisive. "I can afford it."
"Alright! Then I'll let the brothers in the information department earn some extra cash!" Jing Yan grinned and immediately started making arrangements.
The code sequence Zhao Xing gave Jing Yan was the same one he had once used to contact one of the two individuals under Purple Bone's command—Yin Hou.
He was certain that Yin Hou was a part of Marquis He Yin's faction.
Now, Zhao Xing wanted to talk directly with Marquis He Yin. He couldn't remain passive anymore—otherwise, next time, he might not be so lucky.
Zhiluo Star Realm, Marquis He Yin's Mansion.
At that moment, Marquis He Yin was irritated.
The three-hundred-year deadline for his mission was approaching, yet the Dark Hall had not delivered any results.
He had already paid the money, yet the task still wasn't completed?
"Master."
Suddenly, a female attendant appeared beside Marquis He Yin.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Previously, I contacted one of the targets using Yin Hou's identity. Just now, someone forcibly broke into my Star Realm connection and got through to me. They directly asked to speak with you."
"What?" Marquis He Yin was stunned. "Didn't I tell you to destroy that connection?! …Wait, you're saying that after a thousand years, someone just used that old connection to reach you?"
"Yes," the attendant nodded.
Marquis He Yin fell silent.
Who had the capability to do that?
"Patch them through."
Whether it was fortune or misfortune, he would have to face it.
He decided to see for himself who this mysterious person was.
A moment later, Marquis He Yin's virtual projection appeared before Zhao Xing.
The instant he saw Zhao Xing, he was momentarily stunned.
Because he had already seen Zhao Xing's image before, he recognized him instantly.
However, what truly shocked him was how Zhao Xing had reached him through such a method.
At the same time, he hadn't expected Zhao Xing's first words to be:
"Marquis He Yin, I'm giving you a chance."
"A chance?" Marquis He Yin narrowed his eyes.
Zhao Xing spoke calmly, "Right now, report to the Grand Elder Council of your Ancient Clan. Sever all karma with me, withdraw the assassination order from the Shadow Saint Hall."
"Then, immediately commit suicide."
"If you do this, I will leave the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, and all ties between me and the Dongyan Ancient Clan will be cleared."