“Since we understand they rely on illusions, we must find a way to break them.” The Witch Ancestor frowned and shook his head. “It’s said that the Ninecloud Emperor once had a method to counter this. If I unleash my ultimate technique, I can achieve it briefly, but to cover the vast ‘Spatial Barrier’ entirely is nearly impossible.”
The Blade Emperor and the Void Primogenitor nodded in agreement.
The Spatial Barrier was immense, encircling the Labyrinth Corridor, the Inner Domain, and the Outer Domain, sealing everything completely.
Such an expansive barrier… The Ninecloud Emperor had indeed mastered techniques to integrate such methods into formations, but unfortunately, he perished. The Witch Ancestor and the others couldn’t suppress ‘illusionary techniques’ on such a large scale.
“It seems we can only target individual weaknesses,” the Witch Ancestor concluded.
“Indeed. The one who died had insufficient mental fortitude—a flaw in the soul,” the Blade Emperor remarked.
Dongbo Xueying added, “During my interrogation, I learned that the deceased was newly born and had only reached the Eighth Layer’s peak. In terms of mental resilience… he was likely among the weakest of the Golden-Armored Demons at that level.” It was true—General Mugu had gained his strength through the favor of the ‘Kings,’ but his mental discipline was comparatively lacking.
“The other one, possessing the Shadowless talent, has long reached the Ninth Layer,” Dongbo Xueying continued. “Targeting his soul will be far more troublesome.”
Even he wasn’t confident.
A Ninth-Layer Golden-Armored Demon… Those with weaker wills could be dealt with, but those with strong mental fortitude might remain lucid even under illusions. Like this time—the one-horned Golden-Armored Demon had stayed conscious. If the last Shadowless-talent Demon could resist Dongbo Xueying’s illusions, his innate ability would allow him to escape effortlessly.
“In terms of targeting souls, Dongbo, you’re unmatched,” the Witch Ancestor admitted. “Though I have some methods, I’m not specialized in soul techniques.”
The Blade Emperor and the Void Primogenitor remained silent.
It seemed…
Among the born Cosmic Deities, none had ascended through means specifically designed to counter souls.
“If we lack direct methods,” the Witch Ancestor said, “then we must resort to crude tactics—increasing the difficulty of penetrating illusions. Once his location is confirmed, the Boundary Ancestor can act to dismantle his illusionary techniques.”
Dongbo Xueying grasped the implication—the Witch Ancestor needed to unleash powerful techniques to break illusions, while the Boundary Ancestor could do so instantly, making him the better choice for action.
“By the way,” Dongbo Xueying added, “I also learned that the Annihilation Demons have eleven ‘Kings.’ Historically, there were fifteen, but four perished. Among the current eleven, one named Emperor Jun is the strongest.”
“Eleven?” The Witch Ancestor, Blade Emperor, and Void Primogenitor paled.
“To conceal such strength…” The Blade Emperor pressed, “Dongbo, did you uncover how many Golden-Armored Nests they possess?”
“I interrogated them, but even among the Annihilation Demons, it’s a closely guarded secret. They weren’t certain, but the number is likely small—no more than ten.”
…
This was a monumental gain.
The cultivators had finally glimpsed the true strength of the Annihilation Demons, even uncovering their method of traversing the Spatial Barrier. Dongbo Xueying had also eliminated one of the two Shadowless-talent Demons.
Meanwhile…
The Annihilation Demons were furious.
“General Mugu has been exposed. Now, we have only one Shadowless-talent left—General Fuqian!”
“This time, a Golden-Armored Demon was captured alive. They were General Mugu’s guards and knew of his talent. The Shadowless ability is undoubtedly revealed.”
“From now on…”
“We must avoid reckless warfare.”
“Since we’ve all been to the cultivators’ world, let us remain in the Labyrinth Corridor for now. Only when a second Shadowless-talent is born shall we wage war again. We cannot afford another failure.”
“It’s that Dongbo Xueying again.”
“Damn him.”
“Patience. The longer we wait, the greater our advantage. Soon, we won’t need stealth—we’ll shatter the Spatial Barrier head-on.”
“Fine. We must endure.”
The Annihilation Demons swiftly altered their strategy. With only one Shadowless-talent remaining, they couldn’t afford to lose.
…
In the Grand Void Heaven Palace.
The Void Hall’s estate spanned vast grounds, befitting one of the thirteen grand halls of the Grand Void Heaven Palace.
“Remarkable, truly remarkable,” the Void Primogenitor murmured, gazing at the intricate golden scales suspended in the distance. Having reached the pinnacle of void mastery, he could deeply appreciate their profound mysteries.
The Witch Ancestor had also sent an avatar, scrutinizing the scales with alternating frowns and shakes of his head.
Dongbo Xueying immersed himself in study.
“The pinnacle of intangibility?”
The Sword Sovereign and Ancestor Tianyu observed the scales nearby.
Even the Demon Mountain Primogenitor had dispatched an avatar, sipping wine while studying. Clearly, many Cosmic Deities yearned for the ‘pinnacle of intangibility’—a technique that, combined with their cosmic souls, would render most attacks harmless. Even the Sacred Master would struggle to kill them.
Yet achieving this pinnacle was arduous. Even Gu Qi hadn’t perfected it. Only the Ninecloud Emperor and the Void Primogenitor had succeeded, underscoring the immense demands of void mastery.
These scales… seemed simplified, offering Cosmic Deities a glimmer of hope.
“Too difficult. Far too difficult,” the Demon Mountain Primogenitor sighed, downing his wine.
Dongbo Xueying, however, found deep resonance.
As a Voidwalker who had reached the fiftieth layer and mastered the Ninecloud Emperor’s four scrolls, his foundation in void techniques surpassed all present save the Void Primogenitor. The other Cosmic Deities, despite their titles, paled in comparison.
…
Amidst the gathering of cosmic avatars, Dongbo Xueying withdrew to his meditation chamber after a period of study.
Sealing the chamber.
With the Grand Void Heaven Palace’s defenses and his own illusionary prowess, none could spy within.
“I haven’t examined the spoils yet.” With a wave, he summoned the belongings of the six Annihilation Demons—four dead, two imprisoned with sealed souls in the Grand Void Heaven Palace. Having effortlessly refined their treasures, he began emptying their contents.
Whoosh—
A torrent of items spilled forth. Fortunately, as a Hall Master, his chamber spanned miles, ample for training.
“These cultivator artifacts… likely looted from their victims.” Dongbo Xueying’s anger simmered. Soon, all stored treasures were laid bare, including imprisoned cultivators within pocket realms. He resolved to free them in time.
Rumble—
The cascade of items formed a small mountain.
“Hmm?”
As the tumult subsided, his gaze fixed on one spot—an invisible presence propping up other objects. His absolute control over the surroundings detected faint collisions there.
“Transparent, unseen… even imperceptible to my domain?” Intrigued, he approached. As he neared, the invisible object gradually revealed itself—a crimson plaque inscribed with arcane characters. Their meaning was instantly clear:
“Worldheart Token.”
The Worldheart Token, shrouded in mystery, revealed itself only to those it deemed worthy. Otherwise, it remained unseen, even if right before one’s eyes.
(End of Chapter)
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