Although still deeply puzzled, Shui Miao felt a sense of relief after realizing his own value through his conversation with the Heaven-Seer Sage. Sometimes, having value means having a reason to continue living. With the chance to survive, there comes the opportunity to strive, fight back, and eventually turn the tide—to grow stronger and stronger.
Not long ago, how could Shui Miao have ever imagined reaching his current level of cultivation and power?
Even if he was being used, it was still worth it.
Now, their target was the entrance to the Immortal-Demon Realm to find the Spirit General.
With the Holy Mother Shui Tianyi by his side, Shui Miao traveled unimpeded. The Fifth Heaven was somewhat similar to the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Heavens, only with a denser and stronger presence of immortal energy.
Flying westward continuously, the immortal aura gradually thinned, and the once-lush immortal mountains became increasingly desolate. After crossing a region where the spiritual energy was nearly depleted for over half an hour, Shui Miao and Holy Mother Shui Tianyi finally approached the entrance to the Immortal-Demon Realm.
Before them stretched a massive black wall, rising into the heavens and plunging into the earth. Its oppressive darkness seemed to rob one of breath, discouraging approach. Yet, upon nearing, one could see it was actually a colossal black mountain, surrounded by waves of chilling, malevolent energy that sent shivers down the spine.
Shui Miao extended his divine perception to scan the mountain, finding it ordinary in structure—except for the overwhelming presence of yin and killing energy.
Deep within the black mountain stood a grand fortress built at the entrance.
At present, banners fluttered atop the fortress walls, and hundreds of Xianjiang (immortal generals), clad in white armor and riding celestial horses, patrolled the ramparts.
“These heavenly generals sure exude a mighty aura!”
Shui Miao observed the fortress wall carefully and noticed the soldiers and generals were full of vigor and spirit.
“Of course. These are handpicked heavenly generals. In the Immortal Realm, only those who have undergone trials in the Immortal-Demon Realm are eligible for promotion. The ones you saw earlier were merely leftovers. After their trials, these Xianjiang are assigned to the Third Heaven. In short, every Xianjiang in the Third Heaven possesses at least the cultivation level of a Saint-King Realm cultivator.” As Holy Mother Shui Tianyi finished speaking, she had already led Shui Miao to the gates of the fortress.
This time, Shui Tianyi proactively displayed the Seal of Heaven Control.
Upon seeing the seal, the Xianjiang immediately allowed them to pass.
Passing through the gates, Shui Miao felt as if he had returned to the Realm of Rakshasa, entering a gray and hazy world.
The Immortal-Demon Realm is a very mysterious place. Outsiders from the Immortal Realm only know it as a prison for sealing and suppressing evil beings. However, the truth is quite different. In ancient times, the entire Immortal Realm was originally inhabited by demon immortals, spirit immortals, and devil immortals. Before human cultivators appeared, the entire Immortal Realm was known as the Immortal-Demon Realm. Later, as human cultivators increased in numbers and power, they gradually took over most of the Immortal Realm. The first Heavenly Emperor, Pan Yuan, reorganized the Immortal Realm, dividing it into nine Heavens, and relocated the original inhabitants to this area, forming what is now known as the Immortal-Demon Realm. From what I know, the Immortal-Demon Realm also conceals a shocking secret.
As Holy Mother Shui Tianyi led Shui Miao forward, they flew over a landscape stretching eight hundred li, filled with military camps arranged in a complex formation. Each camp had a tall jade pillar tower brimming with terrifying energy.
“Sister, what secret is it exactly?”
While conversing with Holy Mother Shui Tianyi, Shui Miao observed the layout of the jade towers and realized it was a vast Yin-Yang Five Elements Killing Formation spanning eight hundred li. All the jade towers were interconnected, their energies merging to unleash devastating power, capable of annihilating anything!
Seeing this grand formation, Shui Miao felt a chill—his own small chessboard formation seemed insignificant in comparison.
“Do you know who Pan Yuan was?”
Holy Mother Shui Tianyi glanced at Shui Miao, who looked confused, and continued, “Pan Yuan wasn’t a human cultivator. He was an original demon immortal of the Immortal-Demon Realm. He served as the Heavenly Emperor for only three days, during which he spent all his time designing the layout of the Nine Heavens and establishing the laws of the Immortal Realm. After those three days, he vanished. Some say he journeyed to the farthest reaches of the universe, while others believe he exhausted his soul and perished from the Five Decays of Heaven and Earth. But I believe he didn’t die—he returned to the Immortal-Demon Realm. While it appears the Immortal-Demon Realm is sealed, in truth, it is we human cultivators who are trapped. The Nine Heavens are, in fact, a massive prison!”
“This…”
Shui Miao’s heart trembled. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that Shui Tianyi’s analysis made sense.
Rather than believing the Immortal Realm had always been this way, it was more plausible to think of the Nine Heavens as a supreme, top-grade sacred artifact functioning as a prison!
Though admittedly, this prison was quite large…
“Sister, is this just a guess or an ancient myth passed down through generations?”
The more Shui Miao pondered, the more astonished he became. Wasn’t his own realm planet capable of nurturing life? Weren’t the elves on his realm planet in a situation similar to his own? Shui Miao even began to imagine… perhaps the entire universe was inside someone else’s realm…
“It’s not a myth—it’s my deduction. This is actually a perfect opportunity to verify my theory.” In truth, Shui Tianyi was just like Shui Miao—both were curious by nature, always eager to dig into the root of things and unwilling to rest until they uncovered the truth.
“We’ve arrived at the Spirit General’s headquarters.”
Holy Mother Shui Tianyi led Shui Miao to the outskirts of the camp and approached the golden-armored Xianjiang guarding it.
“I am Holy Mother Shui Tianyi of the Sixth Heaven. I have urgent matters to discuss with your Spirit General. Please announce our arrival.”
Shui Tianyi once again displayed the Seal of Heaven Control, sparing them unnecessary trouble.
One golden-armored Xianjiang hurried off to report, while another escorted Holy Mother Shui Tianyi and Shui Miao into a guest tent.
Graceful fairy attendants brought tea and refreshments as expected.
Before long, the Xianjiang returned with a report: “Holy Mother, it’s most unfortunate. Our Spirit General has just left with a group to inspect Zhenmo Mountain. He might return in half an hour, or it could take a day or two.”
“Zhenmo Mountain!”
Holy Mother Shui Tianyi’s heart stirred. She immediately stood and said, “Fine then, brother. If that’s the case, let’s go find him at Zhenmo Mountain.”
“Mm…”
Shui Miao nodded, eager to explore the area.
However, the golden-armored Xianjiang hastily advised, “Please don’t rush. Recently, there have been unusual disturbances in the Immortal-Demon Realm. Zhenmo Mountain is a forward outpost and extremely dangerous. For your safety…”
Holy Mother Shui Tianyi raised her hand, cutting the immortal essence off. “No need. We are not helpless.”
“…”
Upon hearing this, the Immortal Sword blinked and said nothing more.
Thus, Shui Miao and Holy Mother Shui Tianyi headed directly toward Zhenmo Mountain. The mountain resembled a gigantic guardian stone, standing solemnly amidst a field of sharp, towering rocks. Zhenmo Mountain was also lined with many jade pillar towers, and at its peak stood a heavily fortified spherical bastion.
“We’ve arrived.”
Holy Mother Shui Tianyi once again displayed the Seal of Heaven Control and addressed the approaching Xianjiang. “I am Holy Mother Shui Tianyi of the Sixth Heaven. I have urgent matters to discuss with your Spirit General.”
“Holy Mother, welcome! We regret not greeting you sooner!”
An elderly Xianjiang recognized Holy Mother Shui Tianyi and quickly bowed respectfully. “Unfortunately, the Spirit General has just departed with a group to scout deeper into the Immortal-Demon Realm. Lately, things have been rather unusual here. For your safety, please wait inside the fortress.”
“No need. I wish to assist the Spirit General immediately.”
Missing him twice already, Shui Miao felt a faint sense of foreboding. He quickly spoke up before Shui Tianyi could, summoning his small chessboard formation, taking Holy Mother Shui Tianyi with him, and heading straight into the hazy depths of the Immortal-Demon Realm.
Shui Miao, well-versed in the natural ways, knew that events in the world often came with omens.
Missing once might be a coincidence.
Missing twice still being just a chance occurrence was already suspicious.
Therefore, Shui Miao suspected the Spirit General might be in danger.
The small chessboard formation functioned like a giant flying carpet, with Shui Miao and Holy Mother Shui Tianyi seated atop it, surveying their surroundings with a commanding and majestic presence.
However, not far beyond Zhenmo Mountain, Shui Miao sensed the yin-slaughtering energy growing increasingly intense.
This yin energy could corrode and weaken yang-based artifacts.
“Brother, we must be cautious. Our small chessboard formation is strong for offense but weak in defense. If we encounter a powerful enemy from the Immortal-Demon Realm, we’ll be in serious trouble.”
Feeling the thickening yin-slaughtering energy, Holy Mother Shui Tianyi grew increasingly anxious.
As they spoke, they had already flown past a mountain ridge.
On the other side, dozens of blood-red clouds transformed into flying skulls, encircling a group of Xianjiang in midair. Further beyond, an enormous black skull-shaped cloud was rapidly advancing, rolling like thunder…
“Trouble indeed!”
Shui Miao’s heart pounded. He immediately poured all his energy into activating the small chessboard formation…
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage