The summit of Divine Fire Mountain fell silent for a moment; the only sound that could be heard was the roaring, boiling fire within the mountain's interior.
Everyone's face was blank, and their gazes toward Zheng Fa and Shi Nandang were filled with utter bewilderment.
In fact, Shi Nandang's eyes were also somewhat dazed.
His gaze remained fixed on the Jade Pendant at Zheng Fa's waist, as if he were still trying to determine Jade Pendant it was real or fake.
" The Venerable Shi?" The withered old man among the six Spirit Transformation finally couldn't help but ask, "You two... are relatives?"
Shi Nandang Jade Pendant. After a while, he finally exhaled, ignoring everyone else, and asked Zheng Fa, "Did you obtain this Jade Pendant from the Secret Realm?"
"Yes."
Who is the master of this Secret Realm?
His surname is Lu, and his given name is Chengping.
"The Cheng generation..." Shi Nandang smirked, "He's the 57th generation direct descendant of the Lu Family. I never expected he would leave behind a legacy, and that you would obtain it."
The gaunt old man listened to the two talking and then understood.
"You mean, Venerable One, Li Hao... is considered a member of the Holy Clan?"
Shi Nandang didn't speak, but simply opened his palm upwards and took out a jade Jade Pendant. The style of the Jade Pendant was the same as the one Zheng Fa wore at his waist, only the patterns on the surface were slightly different.
"Every direct descendant of the Lu Clan possesses such a Jade Pendant."
Only now did the withered Spirit Transformation understand why Shi Nandang addressed Zheng Fa as "Grand Uncle" upon their first meeting.
The Three Clans of Vast Sun Mountain are powerful and have their own rules. They place great importance on seniority within the Lineage. Even those from other clans must be distinguished by seniority according to their master's status.
While seniority is not enough to determine everything, etiquette is extremely important within the clan; otherwise, it is easy for people to become disunited and harbor resentment.
And it turns out that Li Hao received the inheritance of a former direct descendant of the Lu family in the Secret Realm...
In terms of clan identity alone, Li Hao and Shi Nandang are essentially the same—both are descendants of the direct line of the Lu Clan.
In terms of seniority, Li Hao is two generations higher.
How could he be so lucky?
This is not luck.
For the past six months, with Xiao Yuying's assistance and following Mu Qingyan's memories, the Nine Mountains Sect has secretly explored all the ruins in the Hundred Immortals Alliance territory that may be related to Vast Sun Mountain.
It's not just the Secret Realm that Mu Qingyan remembers.
As one of the Five Sects, Vast Sun Mountain has a long history, and over time, it has accumulated a considerable number of relics.
Even Xiao Yuying had encountered several of them, and she still possessed some relevant information and treasures.
Before the rise of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, this place was also within the sphere of influence of Vast Sun Mountain. Many senior disciples of Vast Sun Mountain would come here to travel and leave behind separate residences or inheritances.
In total, Zheng Fa and his group searched and searched, traversing more than ten Secret Realm, before finally finding a suitable one:
The legacy left behind by a Nascent Soul Cultivator surnamed Lu before his death.
He had this intention in mind when he asked Mu Qingyan before:
From the information revealed by Shi Nandang, along with the intelligence brought by Xie Qingxue and Old Han, Zheng Fa understood the way to obtain the complete Vast Sun Mountain True Disciple Teachings—joining the Three Clans.
Given the Three Clans ' desire to control the True Disciple Cultivation Method and their suppression of other cultivators, there is virtually no other possibility.
Those who are not of the same surname and wish to join the Three Clans can only become disciples of the direct descendants of the Three Clans. For example, Shi Nandang is a direct descendant of the Lu Family.
Within the territory of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, the most feasible method is actually to become Shi Nandang's disciple—although he is not a direct descendant of the clan, he seems to be highly valued. If he performs meritorious service and returns to the mountain, he will probably be granted the surname Lu.
This person has rather high standards. The Golden Core cultivation level that Li Hao showed earlier didn't seem to satisfy him. If he wanted to become Li Hao's disciple, he would at least have to be at the Nascent Soul Realm.
This is why Senior Sister Zhang guessed that Zheng Fa wanted to find a place to "advance".
"I knew you had a connection with Vast Sun Mountain, but I never expected..."
Shi Nandang sensed the pure Nascent Soul aura Dharma Body's < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >, his tone filled with surprise and lingering doubt.
"I must also thank the Venerable One for passing on the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register > to me, so that I could receive the inheritance."
Shi Nandang was taken aback, then suddenly realized. "So that's how it is. It really is your luck that has arrived."
Seeing the faint doubt in his eyes gradually fade, Zheng Fa felt somewhat relieved. Nascent Soul the Nascent Soul stage was actually quite simple for Zheng Fa.
He was originally Nascent Soul.
It's nothing more than using illusions and Heavenly Tribulation Lightning to simulate a violent Lightning Tribulation.
With his mastery of Thunder Method, he had even fought against the Heavenly Venerable, so this was truly no challenge for him.
But the Secret Realm of the Vast Sun Mountain disciples is the key.
Becoming a disciple Shi Nandang; the path to acquiring the True Disciple Cultivation Method of Vast Sun Mountain seems reasonable, but in reality... it's impossible.
Let alone how long it will take for Shi Nandang to receive the surname bestowed by Vast Sun Mountain.
Given the merit of refining the Immortal-Trapping Sword, Zheng Fa would never allow Shi Nandang to obtain it.
Shi Nandang probably doesn't deserve the surname Lu in his entire life.
Therefore, Zheng Fa had to find a direct descendant of the Vast Sun Mountain clan to inherit his lineage and establish a new identity for himself in one step.
As for seniority, all I can say is...
He didn't do it on purpose.
"This... Uncle."
"Please just call me Li Hao."
Zheng Fa interrupted Shi Nandang.
Although the Three Clans of Vast Sun Mountain have their own unique characteristics and emphasize seniority, in the Xuanwei Realm, cultivation is ultimately paramount.
Zheng Fa didn't think that the dead direct descendant of the Lu Family could make him walk sideways in front of Shi Nandang —his master was still alive!
Sure enough, Shi Nandang's expression softened considerably. He carefully examined Zheng Fa, his eyes filled with approval:
"Your foundation is so solid; no wonder you were able to inherit the legacy of your ancestors."
The people on the mountaintop were all at least Nascent Soul. Upon hearing this, they all looked at Zheng Fa, feeling that his powerful and intense Nascent Soul aura far surpassed that of ordinary Nascent Soul Early Stage.
Shi Nandang:
"That Zheng Fa is ruthless, Immortal-Trapping Sword vicious. I was in charge of things alone before, and the pressure was immense. Now, you are also a disciple of my Lu Clan, so you can share some of the burden with me."
In his words, he disregarded the other six Nascent Spirit Transformation and regarded Zheng Fa, the Nascent Soul cultivator, as the second most important person on the mountaintop.
The other six Nascent Spirit Transformation, though their expressions were slightly strange, remained silent.
This demonstrates the strength of the Three Clans of Vast Sun Mountain.
Only the Ninth Elder, who had been keeping his head down, raised his head and couldn't help but look at Shi Nandang; his expression finally betrayed his true feelings.
Are you asking Zheng Fa to lead them to deal with Zheng Fa's Nine Mountains Sect?
Master, you have excellent judgment!
Zheng Fa humbly replied, "My cultivation is merely at the Nascent Soul; I am no match for your efforts. Please give me your instructions, Master."
Shi Nandang gave him a deep look, and the smile on his face became even more genuine.
As everyone watched this scene, their gazes toward Zheng Fa were filled with amusement, as if they were getting to know this disciple anew.
Li Hao is incredibly lucky; his meteoric rise in just two years has already garnered considerable attention.
What's most impressive is this mindset: neither arrogant nor impatient, able to advance or retreat with ease.
They could all see that, because of his status, Venerable Shi treated Li Hao differently.
Moreover, this child is quite mature...
Whether this attitude is sincere or not, this disciple will certainly not stop here.
Shi Nandang beckoned to Zheng Fa and then Humanity's Dao of Profound Mystery Sect Leader, "You may all step back."
The three Profound Mystery Sect Leader looked at each other, not daring to ask any more questions, and walked out of the great formation side by side.
Seeing them leave, Shi Nandang glanced at the rest of the group and asked Zheng Fa:
"You obtained the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register > inheritance in the Secret Realm?"
"Only up to the Nascent Soul Realm."
Zheng Fa honestly replied.
"Indeed, the situation was different before; the threshold for inheriting the Scarlet Firmament Jade Register was extremely high." Upon hearing this, Shi Nandang suddenly raised his finger and tapped Zheng Fa's forehead.
Zheng Fa originally intended to retreat, but he stopped himself. Relying on the Fusang Wood and the Yin-Yang Fish Jade Pendant in his mind, he wanted to see what Shi Nandang was going to do.
A stream of Divine Sense flowed from Shi Nandang's fingertips into Zheng Fa's sea of consciousness.
The complete < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >?
Shi Nandang so sensible?
He was about to say something when Shi Nandang spoke up:
"You can get this even if you go back to Vast Sun Mountain now. I'm just giving it to you in advance, it's no big deal."
"There is only one rule: this inheritance must not be passed on to anyone outside the clan. It must also never be written into Jade Slip, lest it be lost."
"Within the Profound Mystery Sect, only you can learn this, understand?"
His voice became somewhat stern as he said this.
Zheng Fa then understood why he had sent away the three Nascent Soul Nascent Soul from the Profound Mystery Sect; it was probably to avoid attracting attention.
He nodded towards the Shi Nandang handle, and then heard the other person say:
"Although you have now received the inheritance, the sect now places great importance on the Hundred Immortals Alliance and Zheng Fa. Only if you can make contributions in the Profound Mystery Sect will you have the possibility of advancing further when you return to the sect in the future."
"Now is a time of great competition; we must seize the opportunity."
Zheng Fa nodded slowly. He had realized that once he became a "clan member," Shi Nandang's attitude towards him was completely different from before.
She was giving him earnest advice, and every word she said sounded like she was doing it for his own good.
Seemingly sensing his confusion, Shi Nandang chuckled lightly, "All disciples of the Holy Ancestor are one body."
As Zheng Fa descended the mountain, he was still recalling the expression on Shi Nandang —Shi Nandang's sense of belonging to his clan seemed to be much stronger than he had imagined.
Watching Zheng Fa's figure disappear from the great formation, the withered old man couldn't help but sigh, "The Master is truly devoted to his clansmen."
"I have done my best, that's true." Shi Nandang smiled, but his tone was devoid of joy or anger. " The Holy Ancestor's decision to release the Cultivation Method is an inevitable trend that no one can stop. Don't you understand?"
The old man was taken aback, then suddenly realized what was happening.
"Master... do you have doubts about Li Hao?"
Shi Nandang shook his head, seemingly unsure. "Not only is his aura pure, but I also couldn't detect anything wrong when I tested his physical body Divine Soul just now. I just... find it strange that this kid's rise is too fast."
"... A person with great fortune?"
"Perhaps so. However, whether Li Hao possesses great fortune or harbors secrets, once he cultivates the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >, he will never escape the Holy Ancestor's grasp."
"If he is truly a talented individual, it would naturally be a good thing for the clan. Not only would the Holy Ancestor gain another capable subordinate, but he might also become an asset to me after he returns to the mountain..."
"If he harbors ill intentions and covets the Scarlet Firmament Jade Register, I may not be able to see it, but the Holy Ancestor will surely notice something amiss. He won't be able to cause any trouble in the future, and might even be courting death."
Upon hearing this, the other six Nascent Spirit Transformation finally understood why Shi Nandang been so generous.
Zheng Fa, carrying the " Scarlet Firmament Jade Register," emerged from the Divine Fire Mountain and headed straight for the Nine Mountains Realm.
Upon entering the Nine Mountains Realm, the Nascent Soul aura of the Scarlet Firmament Jade Register on his body completely disappeared, and he no longer possessed any characteristics of the Vast Sun Mountain Cultivation Method.
"Senior sister! Give me a Jade Slip!"
Senior Sister Zhang took out a blank Jade Slip and handed it to him.
"Give!"
"What?"
"The complete < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >."
"So fast?"
Even Senior Sister Zhang was somewhat surprised.
Zheng Fa, however, now understood Shi Nandang's thoughts. "This True Disciple Cultivation Method is not afraid of being practiced by others."
Practicing the Scarlet Firmament Jade Register means that one's life and death are controlled by the Vast Sun Mountain Dao Fruit, which is not entirely a good thing for cultivators.
The thresholds set up by the Three Clans of Vast Sun Mountain were all for their own selfish reasons, but that doesn't mean that this True Disciple Cultivation Method is anything good. On the contrary, this Cultivation Method is extremely dangerous for those with ill intentions.
"In Shi Nandang's view, I have already cultivated the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >, so I'm afraid I pose no threat."
Shi Nandang's thinking was correct. Without the Great Sun True Fire and the < Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation >, Zheng Fa would not dare to cultivate the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >.
Before obtaining the Great Sun True Fire, he had hesitated to attempt the Great Freedom Devil Ancestor's Cultivation Method, only willing to refer to them.
Once you cultivate these fundamental principles, you will immediately lose control of your own destiny.
Senior Sister Zhang took the Jade Slip, examined it for a moment, and nodded, saying:
"It is indeed the complete version, and it contains two more realms than before."
"Now it seems that the realm of Vast Sun Mountain is very similar to the Supreme Dao Cultivation Method... Perhaps the Yang Spirit Method is like this."
Zheng Fa had also seen this Cultivation Method.
In the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >, after the Spirit Transformation and before the Dao Fruit, there are two more realms:
The Yang Spirit and the Corpse Liberation.
The name is exactly the same as that of the Supreme Dao; perhaps all Four Sects share this?
Seeing that Senior Sister Zhang was engrossed in the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >, he had a sudden thought and sent a message to Xie Qingxue of the Chaotian Tianhe Sect through the Creation Jade Disc.
Inside the Sect Leader hall of the Tianhe Sect.
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor became increasingly unrestrained, standing at the entrance of the hall, looking at every blade of grass and tree of the Tianhe Sect outside, lost in thought.
"I watch it every day, but I don't know what's so interesting about it."
"Sect Master Yan asked."
"Heh..." The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor didn't answer him, but only chuckled, saying instead, "Your eldest disciple is here again."
Sect Master Yan opened his eyes and sighed, "Has Zheng Fa not given up? Doesn't he understand that he can't obtain the True Disciple Cultivation Method of Vast Sun Mountain..."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor looked at him with a half-smile, "Tried it?"
Sect Master Yan nodded. "It concerns life and death, how could I not give it a try? I'm thinking that nowadays, apart from my Tianhe Sect, the Four Sects are all widely Dao Fruit Cultivation Method... perhaps I can really obtain a few copies."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor glanced at him and sneered, "It's not that simple."
"I was being naive. I was just thinking that any True Disciple Cultivation Method from any school would be of great benefit to us. I went out a few times recently to see if there was an opportunity."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor shook his head and said, "None of the Four Sects 'Dao Fruit are fools. Those who can obtain the complete inheritance are all cultivators who have already cultivated their fundamental techniques."
Sect Master Yan nodded upon hearing this. "They are not afraid at all of the True Disciple Cultivation Method of their cultivation being leaked..."
This is a dead end.
Even if someone who receives the inheritance of Cultivation Method initially harbors ulterior motives, once they have cultivated the corresponding Cultivation Method, they will share in the glory and misfortune of the Dao Fruit behind the Cultivation Method.
They might even be controlled by Dao Fruit cultivators.
There's no going back.
As he pondered this, he suddenly felt something was amiss and couldn't help but look at the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor.
" Devil Ancestor, why do you know so much about this matter?"
"..."
"You've tried it too?"
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor's face darkened.
Sect Master Yan's thoughts raced, and he suddenly understood.
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor before me is arguably the most cunning and cunning person in the Xuanwei Realm, with numerous hidden agents.
If you want to obtain the True Disciple Cultivation Method of the Four Sects, this Devil Ancestor has more methods than I do!
He'd already tried, let alone the other person!
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor spoke with resentment, "My spies left in the Four Sects either got discovered and killed or developed disloyalty after practicing their True Disciple Cultivation Method. Although I was somewhat wary, they should have guessed my identity."
Xie Qingxue's figure appeared at the end of the path in the distance.
"I didn't expect even the Devil Ancestor to suffer a loss. I'll have my disciple persuade Zheng Fa," Sect Master Yan said, frowning. "To prevent him from not only failing to obtain the Cultivation Method but also revealing his true colors."
Seeing that the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor did not move, he laughed and said, "What, you also want to meet my disciple?"
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor chuckled, somewhat arrogantly. "See? Even if I stand right in front of her, can she see me?"
Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yan was speechless.
Although the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor spoke with great arrogance, it must be said that his hidden methods were unparalleled in the profound Xuanwei.
This person had been swaggering around the Tianhe Sect for who knows how long, and no one had noticed him.
"Even those Dao Fruit cultivators from the Four Sects, though aware of my existence, who among them can find my whereabouts?"
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor chuckled and stood behind Sect Master Yan, watching Xie Qingxue enter the main hall.
Sure enough, Xie Qingxue glanced around the hall but didn't see him at all.
"Greetings, Master."
Sect Master Yan nodded, looked at Xie Qingxue, and asked, "What do you want with me?"
"This disciple wishes to request that Master impart to me the True Disciple Cultivation Method of the Immortal-Trapping Lineage."
"..." Sect Master Yan frowned and said helplessly, "Didn't I say, unless..."
"... Junior Brother obtained the Scarlet Firmament Jade Register."
Sect Master Yan's eyes widened.
" The Scarlet Firmament Jade Register?"
"Yes, the complete and True Disciple Cultivation Method of Vast Sun Mountain, leading directly to the Dao Fruit."
Xie Qingxue's meaning is concise and to the point.
Sect Master Yan's expression stiffened. He wanted to turn around, but held back, unwilling to reveal the existence of the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor.
But he held it in.
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor couldn't hold back any longer.
An aura, distinct from the Tianhe Sect's Cultivation Method, flashed through the hall.
Although it was only for a moment, Xie Qingxue was quite powerful and naturally sensed it.
"Who!"
She spoke sharply, holding the Green Duckweed Sword and pointing it directly behind Sect Master Yan.
Sect Master Yan slowly turned his head to look at the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor, who had no choice but to appear.
"..."
Didn't you say your hidden methods Wu Shuang, and even Dao Fruit couldn't detect them?
Has this given them away?
" Devil Ancestor?"
Xie Qingxue had also cooperated with the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor and was very familiar with his aura, so she immediately recognized the Devil Ancestor's identity.
She glanced at Sect Master Yan, her mind completely blank.
The Five Sects have always been irreconcilable enemies with the Devil Ancestor.
The Six-Sect Pact stipulated that the six factions would unite to fight against the Devil Ancestor, and those who violated the agreement would be attacked by the entire world.
Seeing the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor in the Sect Leader hall of the Tianhe Sect was truly beyond Xie Qingxue's expectations.
Moreover, she knew a secret that others were unaware of:
During the Six-Sect Alliance Assembly, my master tried to investigate Zheng Fa's true strength but was injured by Zheng Fa. In reality, it was the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor made the move.
They were really ruthless.
The Master and the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor are not only not friends, but also have old grudges.
Unexpectedly, the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor was even more surprised than she was:
"You mean, Zheng Fa obtained the complete ' Scarlet Firmament Jade Register '?"
Xie Qingxue nodded, and then she saw a sect Sect Leader one of the Five Sects and a peerless Devil Ancestor looking at each other in silence, their expressions particularly strange.
It looks like... someone's pride has been hurt?